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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 4 Hansard (3 April) . . Page.. 1441 ..
things, Government land development will enable far greater control over the cost of land as a component of housing.
As part of the Government's direct negotiations over land sales for community purposes, discussions are being held with providers of older persons' accommodation in respect of a number of sites across Canberra. These sites include assisted and independent, self-care accommodation. As these developments proceed (and certain proposals for assisted care require Commonwealth Government aged care funding), the supply of housing for older people will increase.
Housing-rents
(Question No 514)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice:
In relation to house rents:
(1) Since the government increased housing rents in July last year has there been an increase in requests for (a) rental assistance and (b) the amount of tenants in arrears for longer than 2 weeks;
(2) What has the government done to ease the burden on tenants who experienced an increase in rent and required assistance;
(3) Can the Minister advise what the increase in revenue intake from increased housing rents is to date this financial year.
Mr Wood: The answer to the member's question is as follows:
(1) Since the public rental rent review of September 2002 (a) the number of applications for rental assistance lodged with ACT Housing has fluctuated and is currently more than before the rents were reviewed; and
(b) the number of tenants who are more than 2 weeks in arrears has fluctuated and is currently less than before the rents were reviewed;
(2) If a rental review brings a tenant's rent to more than 25% of their income they may apply for a rental rebate. Tenants may request a review of the rental review decision. If a tenant is not satisfied with the outcome of a review of the decision they may appeal to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal;
(3) $1.65 million to 31 March 2003, after rebates have been applied (ie the amount payable by tenants).
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