Published October 2025
Shocking new data, first requested by the Opposition under Freedom of Information, has revealed police were called to the Barwell Flats Housing Trust complex in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs 1,439 times between June 2022 and July 2025 – an average of more than once per day. Shadow Minister for Housing, Michelle Lensink, said the figures highlight yet another disturbing example of escalating antisocial behaviour in public housing under the Malinauskas Labor Government. “We know antisocial behaviour in public housing has increased by 25 per cent since Labor came to office,” Ms Lensink said. “The Government needs to stop reacting after the fact and instead put proper support and security measures in place to protect tenants and their neighbours. “The former Liberal Government took strong action to address antisocial behaviour in public housing - and it worked. Incidents dropped significantly and now, Labor has completely lost control of the situation.” Local Member for Bragg and Shadow Minister for Police, Jack Batty, said he has been urging the Government to make Barwell Flats safer for years, after repeated complaints from Glenside residents about crime and antisocial behaviour. “I’ve had really concerning reports of everything from break-ins to yelling and swearing in the street in the early hours of the morning,” Mr Batty said. “Residents in Glenside should not have to put up with that. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. “Something is clearly going wrong if police have been called to a Housing Trust complex on average more than once a day over the last three years. “I’m calling for an immediate audit of security and safety at Barwell Flats - including consideration of 24/7 security patrols to help keep our neighbourhood safe. “We should also review the tenant selection process at Barwell Flats and take a zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour. “Clearly, whatever we are doing at Barwell Flats is not working and residents at Glenside are paying the price.” Media Contact: Gretel Mead 0449 500 844 |
