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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1995 Week 8 Hansard (25 October) . . Page.. 2033 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Currently, this sector represents only a small proportion of the ACT housing market, but community housing potentially can provide increased options for not only affordable housing but also different tenures and lifestyles.

I come now to the process for consultation. Ultimately, the success of the strategy will depend on the extent to which it incorporates the different views of the community, industry and government agencies. To achieve this, debate on key issues for the future direction of housing is essential. The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. I am, therefore, pleased to announce that the Government has established a reference group to advise on major issues in the development of the strategy. This group will be chaired by Professor Judith Brine - an eminent academic in the field of urban design - and will include representatives of the housing industry and related professions and non-government organisations. The reference group will draw upon a wealth of experience and knowledge of housing in the ACT, and I look forward to the members' input to the ACT housing strategy process. Additionally, ACT Housing is releasing a series of information papers on housing issues to support informed discussion. Consultation on a draft housing plan will take place in the early part of 1996. The main public consultation phase will commence in the first half of next year.

In conclusion, I believe that the development of a housing strategy is an important part of adopting an integrated and strategic approach to urban development in the ACT. If future residential development is to add to the quality of life for all residents and respond to the diverse needs of a changing community, it is essential that we think creatively and pursue these goals in a coordinated and strategic way. I look forward to the development of the ACT housing strategy, and I would encourage all members of this Assembly to support this important initiative. I present the following paper:

ACT Housing Strategy - ministerial statement, 25 October 1995.

I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Debate (on motion by Ms McRae) adjourned.

Debate resumed from 21 September 1995, on motion by Mr Humphries:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

MR CONNOLLY (3.45): This is a Bill that the Opposition supports, with some surprise that it is the arch monarchist amongst us who is formally abolishing the office of queen's counsel.

Mr Humphries: No; the Speaker is the arch monarchist. I am the second arch monarchist.

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