Redfern Residents Raise Concerns Over Squatters In Inner Sydney Social Housing

A Redfern social housing complex in inner Sydney has been the subject of repeated complaints from residents about illegal occupants taking over vacant spaces and causing damage.

Tenants in the building had raised ongoing concerns about squatters entering empty units, storage rooms and other shared areas within the complex, which is managed by St George Community Housing (SGCH).

Residents told the ABC that squatters had accessed parts of the building including storage areas and common spaces, and that the situation had led to reports of unsafe conditions in shared areas.

One tenant, identified under the pseudonym Jeremy, said he had contacted police multiple times in response to intrusions and expressed concerns about safety within the complex.

The ABC reported that some residents said broken security infrastructure had made it easier for unauthorised entry into the building, including a damaged front door lock that could be pushed open.

In one instance a squatter was found to have occupied a storage space intended for residents, with the area containing personal belongings indicating long-term use.

The report also described other shared spaces being used for sleeping, and noted that some areas had later been cleared and boarded up following police attendance and action by the housing provider.

Homes NSW, which oversees social housing providers including SGCH, said responsibility for maintenance and safety in such complexes lies with the housing provider managing the site.

A spokesperson for Homes NSW said: “The safety and wellbeing of residents in any social housing property is paramount” and that incidents involving unauthorised occupants are managed by the relevant provider.

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said in a statement that the situation was “not easy” to manage and required coordination between housing providers, residents and NSW Police.

She also said it required sensitivity because some people involved in such incidents may be experiencing housing instability, mental health challenges or substance use issues.

The minister added she had confidence in the housing provider’s approach, while indicating the government would hold providers accountable if issues were not resolved.

SGCH said the site had a “long and complex” history and that it was working with residents and police within legal constraints to manage the situation.

The provider also said: “There is no single quick fix for the challenges facing this site,” and that it remained focused on supporting residents and building community connections.