Page 1921 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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individuals in the fairest way. Our housing agencies must act as fair and responsible landlords but also recognise that they are the custodians of large levels of public investment. We must recognise, above all, that the housing assistance programs are really about helping people to avoid poverty and to be able to find appropriate and affordable housing.
The measures that I announced on 22 September must be seen in the context that we have taken significant steps forward. In essence, they will improve social justice by improving targeting of assistance to those most in need, improving the capacity of individuals to obtain their own housing, and improving consumer protection.
These principles also guide the next stage of the housing policy review. Over the next few months we will be looking at ways to foster consultation and participation in the housing review and in delivery of the housing program, to improve the operation of the Housing Trust, to improve the housing services for particular sectors of the community, and to improve our home ownership policies. We will be seeking the views of the community on matters of concern, and I invite members during the next phase of the review to give me their views on how to improve housing in the ACT.
The Government is committed to achieving changes and we will need to - - -
Mr Humphries: Will you acknowledge them?
MRS GRASSBY: We always acknowledge you, Mr Humphries, I am afraid, always, in the most pleasant ways. I would hope that I would get them back in the same way.
We will need to continually refine our housing policies. Before my next report to this Assembly we will be considering the ways in which we can ensure that the review of housing policies is an ongoing process.
Mr Speaker, I would like to thank again those members, particularly Mr Collaery, who so kindly said nice words about the Housing Trust and me as the Minister, and who have contributed to the debate today. Of course, I thank my colleagues who also spoke extremely well on this matter.
Mr Collaery: Do I get this job you promised me?
MRS GRASSBY: You never know, Mr Collaery. Just wait around and see. I will not promise too much. I give them my assurance that I will carefully consider the opinions they have expressed.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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