Page 3347 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 October 2006
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Currently there appears to be no concrete evidence that redevelopments are proceeding quickly for housing complexes such as the former Burnie Court site, the Currong Apartments and, of course, the troublesome site at Fraser Court in Kingston. The government is dithering in its approach to commencing significant capital works programs that would certainly go a long way to improving the outlook of the abovementioned neighbourhoods and the lives of residents living in either public or private accommodation.
The point is this, what outlook do we have for the future, so that we can all feel safe and secure living in any given neighbourhood? Indeed, how must the government combat the complexities of finding a balance in providing Canberrans with the opportunity to access a good mix of housing options that will also tackle the problems?
It is very important to see how people in any neighbourhood interact and coexist. Commonsense tells us that when neighbourhoods are relatively free of any form of criminal activity or antisocial behaviour, people feel safe and secure and are willing to engage each other in a positive way. You get community building, and cohesive and cooperative neighbourhoods are sustained.
I am sure most members would agree that there is always a level of personal responsibility required by anyone for their behavioural patterns or approach taken to life. However, the successful management of major public housing complexes is the sole responsibility of government. Policies should be put in place to display firm cooperation between agencies such as housing, the police and non-government organisations that provide a variety of support services and programs in the community. In turn, this approach must be bolstered to support the majority of us who live within our neighbourhoods who are determined to tackle the recidivism and antisocial behaviour of a small minority.
One of the things that worked very well in the ABC flats was a community program called the boomerang board, which I think was put in when I was housing minister. We had on site one or two people who assisted some of the very difficult and troubled tenants there. I can recall going to that property on a Christmas Day to play Santa Claus. In fact, I kept going and playing Santa Claus after I ceased being minister.
There are a few people there who have kept that boomerang centre going. Most of us probably know Tony, an excellent musician who organised variety nights. That sense of community helped a lot in the dropping of crime rates and in giving people perhaps a greater sense of community. Those are the sorts of things I would encourage the government to do in multiunit developments.
We need action plans, and we need more consultation between housing and the police. The Liberals are very keen to adopt and enforce acceptable behaviour agreements. There are also estate agreements, which will be complementary. Those are a positive way of bringing housing residents together in an inclusive manner so they feel empowered and supported to take on the responsibility of building their communities.
It seems that the current government has not demonstrated any will or plan to enhance or redevelop the Discovery Street public housing complex in Red Hill, which remains an
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