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None . . Page.. 452 ..

Obviously, if something is a police matter, the police should be called. In some instances, however, it is quite relevant because there is a bit of a difference in flats where there are a number of tenants. Quite often I find one Housing Trust tenant complaining about the activities of another Housing Trust tenant next-door. The trust, I believe, has always had some responsibility there and has attempted to help out in situations like that. I certainly do not see anything wrong in officers of the trust going around and trying to sort out the situation. They represent the Territory as landlord and, if two tenants are involved in a dispute, quite clearly that is something that should be investigated. I do not see any reason for that not to continue. Obviously, there are other situations in which other agencies should be involved, and the basic rule of law, be it civil or criminal, would naturally apply.

Generally, I am heartened by most of the comments made by members. Our housing stock is a significant investment for the Territory. There are about 12,000 properties worth, I think, about $1.4 billion. Another point of concern to Ms McRae related to when properties were sold and where properties were built. I am pleased to advise her that, from what I have seen so far of some of these new joint developments, as far afield as Dunlop, and one in Braddon, there will be both public and private housing in the same area, and joint developments where Housing Trust tenants will benefit. These new joint developments are right across the Territory, in all suburbs. I appreciate, having been born in Canberra, having grown up in Canberra, and having lived for the first four years of my life in public housing, that one of the beauties of Canberra is that virtually every suburb does have a level of public housing. I think that has assisted the social homogeneity of Canberra very much indeed, and that is something that we are very mindful of.

There are a lot of potentially exciting developments in housing. As I indicated earlier, there are always measures by other governments which might affect this Territory adversely and which this Government will fight against. I am pleased to see that many other State and Territory Ministers share the concerns which would affect us as well, so I am hopeful of some success in terms of a couple of measures I highlighted in my paper which would impact adversely on the Territory. I look forward to the input of all members during the course of this Assembly in terms of housing matters. I would value the input. I might not necessarily always agree with it, but I would welcome it. The department, from what I can gather, always has been very keen to ensure that there is maximum community input as well. I thank members for their comments.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Sitting suspended from 12.09 to 2.30 pm

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