Page 1920 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 May 1991
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MR COLLAERY: Yes. It was a great bit of public responsibility on Mrs Grassby's part! Secondly, those numbers waiting on the housing list have not altered significantly since the Labor Government was in power, that is, in November 1989. It was 3,261 registrants then, and now it is 3,483 in April 1991, whilst we have gone through another 18 months' torture under the macro-economic policies being applied from across the lake.
Although some students are housed under the community organisations rental housing assistance program, CORHAP, it is not our policy to provide large-scale accommodation for students, as this is primarily the responsibility of tertiary institutions. However, those in the know know that quite agreeable arrangements have been made between the University of Canberra and other institutions and the Housing Trust, particularly with regard to some of our stock which we have been unable to rent out to public tenants. Some of the problem-style houses that we have to deal with in due course, and some of the housing we have which is awaiting major renovation, is not at a standard that we would allow young kiddies into. We make those available to university students and the rest through an enlightened program of the Housing Trust.
Additionally, we are carefully monitoring the situation at Narellan House and having relevant discussions on that matter. I totally reject the opportunism of Mrs Grassby in talking up a crisis that really is a sign, firstly, of an improving housing market and, secondly, of an increasing challenge to this Government and all governments in this country facing exactly the same problems.
Civic Square Redevelopment Project
MRS GRASSBY: My question is to the Chief Minister. What has been the cost to the Canberra community, to date, of the decision to vacate the North Building prior to the confirming of whether or not you would be able to proceed with the section 19 redevelopment?
MR KAINE: That is a pretty broad question, and I obviously do not have the answer to it. In fact, I do not know whether there have been any costs at all, but I will take the question - - -
Members interjected.
MR KAINE: I was about to say - if the jackals opposite would let me continue to answer the question; it is like feeding time at the zoo as usual - that I will take the question on notice, and see whether there has been an effect.
Mr Berry: Do you know anything? You never know anything.
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