New measures to curb antisocial behaviour are beginning to shift the atmosphere at the Barwell Flats at Glenside, according to fresh data from the South Australian Government.
The complex became a focus of the SA Housing Trust’s campaign to improve safety following earlier actions at Bentzen Court and Elliot Lodge. Since then, tenants say the environment is starting to feel calmer, with a dedicated housing officer now regularly onsite to monitor issues, report maintenance needs and support residents in documenting problem behaviour.
Two tenants at Barwell Flats currently face pending SACAT action against their tenancies, reflecting the tougher approach being applied.
The Government says the changes are helping push down antisocial behaviour complaints across Housing Trust sites. Reports have dropped from 235 under the previous Liberal Government to 125 between 2022 and September this year. Serious complaints have fallen from 20 to 7, moderate reports from 83 to 59, and minor reports from 132 to 59.
SA Police call outs to Housing Trust sites have also eased, falling from 1,608 to 1,527 across comparable periods. While the numbers remain high, authorities say the trend is encouraging.
In addition to targeted case management, the complex has seen expanded security patrols, stepped-up cleaning and security-focused refurbishment. Some tenants have reported feeling more comfortable in shared spaces as the measures take effect.
Housing Minister Nick Champion said efforts to strengthen expectations of behaviour were central to progress. He pointed to the introduction of the Good Neighbour Policy in September, which tightens the existing three-strikes process by requiring tenants with substantiated complaints to act immediately to improve their conduct.
Champion said the approach is designed to protect both residents and the neighbourhood around Housing Trust properties. He acknowledged that many tenants are respectful community members and support firm intervention when issues arise.
He said the crackdown delivers a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. At the same time, he accepted that more work is needed to stabilise affected sites and reinforce safe communities.
While tenant advocates have previously raised concerns that tougher policies must be matched with support services, the Government maintains that early data suggests conditions are improving without an increase in evictions.
The coming months will be a test of whether the trend continues, as attention turns to rebuilding trust between residents and authorities and ensuring improvements hold long-term.
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