Government considers new crackdown on bad public housing tenants as inquiry into tradie pay scandal begins

An official new crackdown on bad taxpayer-funded public housing tenants is being investigated as authorities launch an inquiry into the “concerning” taxpayer tradie pay scandal.

An official new crackdown on bad taxpayer-funded public housing tenants is being investigated as authorities launch an inquiry into the “concerning” taxpayer tradie pay scandal.

The state government will on Monday unveil details of a high-level review into widespread failures an Advertiser investigation exposed with the almost $1bn SA Housing Trust maintenance contract.

As industry crisis talks are held on Monday, new Housing Minister Nick Champion has flagged a separate crackdown on bad Trust tenants.

While details are still being explored, authorities are considering tougher enforcement of anti-social behaviour and greater assistance for repeat offenders.

Mr Champion last week told a parliamentary Estimates hearing that “nothing makes me more concerned than anti-social behaviour in public housing”, which he plans to reform.

“I’m interested in options that will push the rates of anti-social behaviour down and make it clear to everybody in no uncertain terms that it’s not acceptable,” he told MPs.

“What I’m flagging is that there’s going to be a need to clearly express and enforce a policy which says to people … if you’re coming into a highly subsidised housing system … you have responsibilities.”

The crackdown emerged as a group of the state’s most experienced public servants investigate repair contract problems that have left authorities “horrified” and “concerned”.

Officials warn the state is facing a “looming cliff” of social housing problems including an ageing stock of government homes that are on average 44 years old.

While the Opposition called for an independent inquiry, the government described reviewers as “significant people”.

They include SA Housing Trust chairwoman Mary Patetsos, Renewal SA chairman Stephen Haines, SA Water’s leader Alan Holmes and Department for Housing and Urban Development chief executive, David Reynolds.

The three-month inquiry will focus on ensuring “appropriate arrangements” for subcontractors to be paid in full in accordance with the law.

Government policy requires invoices be paid within 30 days.

Sub-contractor carpenters, electricians and plumbers have been owed “significant sums” – some more than $100,000 – for 2023-dated invoices.

Authorities are also reviewing the background, tender and execution of repair contractors Spotless Facilities Services Pty Ltd, RTC Group and Torrens Facility Management.

The review, buried in the government’s housing “road map” last week, will consider new “alternative delivery” and service models, if dispute resolutions are proper and advise if the contract is “suitable” for an economy at capacity and with worker shortages.

Mr Champion said he “will not shy away from the challenges” as he vowed to tackle a housing crisis and almost 1800 vacant public homes.

“Any instance where subcontractors are not being paid for completed works which meet the service delivery standard is unacceptable,” he said.

He also urged any concerned tradies to contact Small Business Commissioner Nerissa Kilvert, who said any complaints were confidential.

He is “confident” in the review, from a group of “experienced, wise set of people”.

Opposition spokeswoman Michelle Lensink said the inquiry into the “scandalous” repair problems “misses the mark”.

Originally published as Government considers new crackdown on bad public housing tenants as inquiry into tradie pay scandal begins