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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (17 June) . . Page.. 1639 ..
MR STEFANIAK (continuing):
who has responsibility for housing, for that money. The Commonwealth as yet has not been forthcoming. I do not intend to let this issue rest. I will continue to pursue the Commonwealth for funding which I believe the Territory is entitled to.
In the meantime, we have a number of ATSI people in various ACT Housing Trust places throughout the Territory. I think there is one specific community-type-based housing organisation which has been operating, too, for a couple of years now. In terms of specifically addressing some of the concerns you have, if it is good enough for Tasmania to get $686,000, I certainly think it is good enough for this Territory, which has a growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, to be receiving money which I believe is its due from the Commonwealth for specific programs over and above the needs of other Housing Trust tenants. Accordingly, we will pursue that with vigour, Ms Tucker.
MS TUCKER: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. I will ask the same question. Minister, could you tell me whether an Aboriginal housing program officer position is going to be created, and when? Will the Government be releasing an Aboriginal housing strategy?
MR STEFANIAK: Ms Tucker, in terms of the housing strategy, I will consult with my department in terms of an actual specific strategy. Again, part of that, I would say, is tied up with getting the Commonwealth to come to the party. The Commonwealth is actually after bilaterals at present. I do want to pursue the financial aspect further because I do not think it is appropriate for us just to accept their position that they do not want to give us money for that. Part of your supplementary question goes to that. I will be taking it up further with the Commonwealth. There are, however, a number of other things that we can do in the interim, which Housing is pursuing, and as soon as we have a further - - -
Ms Tucker: Would that not be part of the strategy?
MR STEFANIAK: Yes. In terms of a strategy, Ms Tucker, there are further things which we are actually progressing. As soon as I am able to release a strategy, or even as much as I can release without settling what the Commonwealth should be paying us, I will get back to you on that and will release it.
MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, my question is to Mr Kaine in his capacity as Minister for Industrial Relations. Minister, can you confirm that the Industrial Relations Commission this morning instructed the Government to consult with the TWU in relation to the dispute caused by your decision to allow Deane's Buslines to expand their operation in the ACT?
Mrs Carnell: To pick up passengers rather than go past them?
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