Tenants across Adelaide’s Housing Trust flats are reporting a new sense of safety following a series of government-backed upgrades that have targeted problem sites and strengthened community oversight.
In July, the Malinauskas Labor Government rolled out immediate measures to boost security and cleanliness at Bentzen Court and Elliot Lodge in Gilberton. The response included 24-hour security patrols at Bentzen Court, increased security at Elliot Lodge, and better amenities such as upgraded lighting. Each site now has a dedicated housing officer.
Residents say the changes have made a clear difference, with a stronger sense of cohesion among tenants and fewer disturbances. Since the measures were introduced, two tenants from Bentzen Court identified as sources of ongoing issues have been evicted.
The focus is now turning to Barwell Flats in Glenside, where a housing officer has been appointed to help tenants address maintenance problems and document antisocial behaviour. SA Police have attended the complex more than 1,400 times between June 2022 and July 2025.
The Housing Trust is also investing in long-term improvements, progressively refurbishing and modernising several walk-up flat sites across Adelaide. New tenants have already moved into upgraded units at Sturt Street in the CBD and at Glengowrie, after a combined $15.5 million investment.
Last month, the government introduced the SA Housing Trust’s Good Neighbour Policy, designed to strengthen the three-strikes warning system by requiring tenants with substantiated antisocial behaviour complaints to take immediate steps to change their conduct.
Housing Minister Nick Champion said the program was producing visible results. “Making Trust walk-up flats safer across Adelaide is a work in progress. We have more to do, but it is pleasing to see the impact our swift action is already having,” he said.
“Between refurbishing sites, improved security and cleaning measures and our new Good Neighbour Policy, our Government is taking seriously the issue of antisocial behaviour and we are committed to continue to support the vast majority of Trust tenants who are good neighbours, and neighbouring residents,” Mr Champion said.
He added that the Trust would “continue to work with tenants, our neighbours and community groups as they continue the important work of making walk-up flats more modern, more safe and more secure.”
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