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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 6 Hansard (16 May) . . Page.. 1738 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

Recognising the need to tackle some of these issues now, the government has commenced a number of initiatives in addition to the work of the affordable housing task force. The development of a comprehensive asset management strategy which covers all of the ACT's $1.5 million asset holding, including its multiunit sites, is a current priority of this government. The asset management strategy is being developed in consultation with the Housing Advisory Committee.

Canberra was built on a tradition of public housing across the city, and dwellings are well located near town centres, public transport, employment opportunities, educational facilities and other services. This tradition has contributed to the diversity and egalitarian nature of the city and is one of the key principles that will underpin our asset management strategy.

Appropriate housing that meets current standards for accommodation and facilitates sustainable tenancies and communities is another key principle and challenge. While the ACT has a higher proportion of stock than other states, it also has some of the oldest public housing in the country. The multiunit sites, many of which are nearing the end of their life, present particular challenges. These are significant issues that we need to consider.

While public housing represents the main form of social housing in the territory, community housing has the potential to complement this and expand the housing option. Community housing is now recognised as an important way to address housing needs. It offers the potential to provide greater choice of housing management for a range of groups in the community, including indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.

The government is committed to the expansion of the community housing sector and to working with the community sector. A major focus of the government this year has been an extensive consultation process with the community sector on future directions for community housing.

Underpinning the philosophy of the government is a commitment to ensuring that government processes incorporate the values of the community. Effective and open consultation is an essential part of achieving this.

Since coming to office, this government has commenced a package of integrated strategies to address issues for the housing system. In all of these initiatives-the affordable housing task force, the asset management structure, future directions for community housing, the review of the select committee recommendations on public housing from the last Assembly-the government has recognised the importance of working in partnership with the community and industry.

The peak housing bodies, ACT Shelter and the Coalition of Community Housing Organisations are key players in ensuring that the voices of housing consumers and providers are heard in these processes.

Reinforcing the priority that the Stanhope government places on housing, I have given greater status to the Housing Advisory Committee. We came into office with a commitment to restore security of tenure and remove three-year leases for new public housing tenants. As a matter of priority, I have asked the Housing Advisory Committee

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