Page 2141 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 2 August 2022
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Questions without notice
Public housing—dwellings
MS LEE: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. Minister, is it correct that in 2011 there were 11,063 public housing dwellings, and in 2021 there were 10,859 public housing dwellings?
MS BERRY: I think those figures are correct.
MS LEE: Minister, is it correct that in 2011 the number of public housing dwellings per 1,000 people was 30, and in 2021 it was 24?
MS BERRY: I think I know where the Canberra Liberals are going to here, and I have explained a number of times in the Assembly about the public housing growth and renewal program. For some time during the implementation of this program, housing numbers will decrease, as Housing ACT moves tenants and demolishes older houses that are no longer fit for purpose, in order to build better and more sustainable homes—
Ms Lee: A point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Ms Lee, a point of order?
Ms Lee: Madam Speaker, the question was very clear. It was: is it correct that in 2011 the number of public housing dwellings per 1,000 was 30 and in 2021 it was 24? The answer to the question is yes or no.
MADAM SPEAKER: I will not direct the minister to give a yes or no.
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, I have made a ruling. There is no point of order. Minister, you have time left to answer.
MS BERRY: Again, I will describe the circumstances that we are going through with regard to the growth and renewal program in the ACT. Numbers in the housing space will be lower for a period of time, but there will then be an increase as the ACT—
Mr Hanson: A point of order on relevance, Madam Speaker. The question was whether it was lower, not why it was lower. To be directly relevant, the minister was simply asked whether it is lower, rather than the excuses that she is offering.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, please resume your seat. The minister is in order.
MS BERRY: Madam Speaker, as I say, through the program you will see, as we get towards the end of the program, the numbers of public housing increase over time. The ACT government has committed to an additional 400 public housing dwellings.
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