back to the original question. she is not a tenant but a spouse, so i am not sure if this will apply but here is a link to the abandoned goods legilsation for nsw
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/uga1995179/
defacto relationship. he will have to support under family law act.
her debt is not transferrable to him. she could possibly just declare herself bankrupt and it not affet him.