Page 1844 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 1 May 1991
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HOUSING CRISIS
Discussion of Matter of Public Importance
MR SPEAKER: I have received a letter from Mrs Grassby proposing that a matter of public importance be submitted to the Assembly for discussion, namely:
The failure of the Alliance Government to adequately address the housing crisis in the Australian Capital Territory.
MRS GRASSBY (3.15): Mr Speaker, I rise to speak on what is surely one of the most acute problems currently in the ACT, the housing crisis. More especially, Mr Speaker, I rise to speak about the Government - the Alliance Government - and its failure to adequately address the current housing crisis.
Mr Speaker, one of the great achievements, among the many achievements of the Follett Labor Government, was the total review of housing policy which we put into place as soon as we achieved government. This was, and still remains, an indication of our commitment, the Australian Labor Party's commitment, to housing in this Territory. On the other hand, since assuming office some 18 months ago, the Alliance Government has done very little. Mr Speaker, let me say from the start that this can be traced to the Minister responsible for the Housing Trust, Mr Collaery. Once we realise who is the Minister for Housing in the ACT, we realise why such little attention is given to this significant policy area by the Alliance Government.
Mr Speaker, in Mr Collaery we have a second-rate lawyer who has got his hands on the Attorney-General's portfolio. Consequently, we have seen Mr Collaery strut about this Assembly - - -
Mr Duby: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: That is clearly a slur on the reputation of the member. I ask that she withdraw that statement, that Mr Collaery is a second-rate lawyer. That is a clear personal imputation.
MR SPEAKER: I uphold Mr Duby's objection, Mrs Grassby. I ask you to withdraw that, because it is a personal reflection and there is too much of this going on.
MRS GRASSBY: My opinion of him is that he is second class, but I withdraw it.
Members interjected.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MRS GRASSBY: I said that I withdraw it. That is my opinion, but I withdraw it.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you.
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