The new-found concern from the government about the Housing Trust tenant problem is at least 10 years too late, writes Mike Smithson.

Powerful and disturbing images are often the only way that authorities get the message and get off their backsides.

What has long been an inconvenient truth now has the attention of the Premier, the Housing Minister, a prominent local MP, a government department, the local council, a dedicated housing officer and a security company.

Early last week, the evening peace was shattered in upmarket Gilberton with the horrific stabbing death of a man in a notorious Housing Trust block.

Moments later, the same alleged offender was involved in a violent home invasion at the adjacent residence of well-known television personality Jan Beasley and her husband John.

The female intruder, now charged with murdering innocent and vulnerable tenant Andrew Sorby-Adams, also caused damage and terror inside the Beasley family home as five police officers eventually subdued, arrested and detained her.

The Beasleys were left with a shattered family room door, blood-stained carpet and similar damage to their furniture, which now requires replacement.

The wheels of government and the Housing Trust have moved quickly since then, following the alarm and dismay expressed by the Beasleys and other law-abiding citizens who anxiously live near and in the problem-ridden Bentzen Court.

The........

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