South Australia’s public housing system could be set for a boost, with the Labor Government pledging to refurbish 300 vacant Housing Trust homes and return them to families if re-elected.
Backed by a $30 million investment, the plan focuses on upgrading properties that have sat empty due to extensive maintenance requirements, bringing them back into circulation at a time when demand for secure housing continues to grow.
The commitment forms part of a broader plan to strengthen the state’s public housing network, reduce vacancy rates, and improve living conditions for South Australians relying on the Housing Trust.
A major component of the program will include upgrades to the Bentzen Court walk-up flat site in Gilberton, alongside works across the wider housing portfolio.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said, “The Housing Trust is a proud South Australian institution.”
“My dad worked at the Housing Trust for over 35 years, devoting his life to putting roofs over the heads of South Australians.”
“For generations, governments let our Housing Trust stock decline.”
“In 2022 we came to Government with an ambitious plan – to stop the sell-off of Housing Trust homes and add to our public housing stock.”
:We have delivered on this – but there is still more to do – which is why we will upgrade and refurbish 300 vacant Housing Trust homes to bring them back into operation.”
“We are the Government that brought back the Housing Trust in both name and purpose. If re-elected we will continue to deliver on our achievements to ensure safe, stable and suitable homes for all South Australians.”
The government says it has already overseen the first significant increase in public housing supply this century, citing independent Productivity Commission data and an election commitment to build more than 1,000 new public homes during the current term.
Alongside new builds, 350 vacant properties have been refurbished and returned to use, while a statewide maintenance blitz has delivered safety and comfort upgrades to around 3,000 tenanted homes.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said, “We do not want vacant Housing Trust properties sitting empty while South Australians wait for a home.”
“This is not just an announcement about renovating housing stock. It is about giving South Australians that need it most the dignity and stability of a home.”
“It has been decades since a government has delivered such a significant investment in public housing. We have a plan to build on this momentum and do even more.”
