Page 3357 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 17 September 1991
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current licensees will not bear any additional financial burden as a result of the transition to the quarterly payment scheme. New licensees will be required to pay the tax in advance. This will ensure that they do not accrue outstanding taxation liabilities.
Social Justice
Turning to social justice, I am pleased to announce that my Government will establish a new program in response to problems identified during the inquiry by the Standing Committee on Social Policy into behavioural disturbance among young people. Over $210,000 in a full year will be provided to introduce a structured daily activity program for young people with moderate behavioural difficulties.
Additional resources will be provided this year to fund the continuing move of residents from Bruce Hostel into the community. The Housing Trust will provide up to 10 houses for this initiative. This confirms the Government's commitment to the Special Premiers Conference decision to restructure services to provide ordinary life opportunities for people with disabilities.
Within Corrective Services, the attendance centre program will be expanded. A greater emphasis on rehabilitation will be provided through the centre in an effort to reduce the number of offenders in our community going to gaol. It should also reduce future costs significantly. I am also pleased to announce that my Government is today releasing its promised review of concessions for public comment. The establishment of a human rights office will proceed, with a target opening date of 1 December this year.
Housing
Adequate housing for all members of our community is fundamental to this Government's objective of a fair and just society. The ACT Government's contribution to public housing under the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement will increase this year by 25 per cent to $6.5m, bringing total Commonwealth and ACT funding to $24m.
This year the ACT Housing Trust will introduce a range of measures to stimulate the construction of dwellings and reduce the growing waiting lists. Housing commencements will increase from 91 last year to 203 this year, including 89 aged persons units, 37 flats and 77 houses. Total expenditure on public housing acquisition will be in excess of $36m.
The redevelopment of the Melba Flats site will be completed this year and the first residential blocks should be available for sale from July 1992. Home ownership assistance will this year allow about 220 new loans to be provided to people who do not qualify for private mortgage finance. Private sector residential rental bonds will be regulated and protected through the establishment of the Office of Rental Bonds.
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