Page 3476 - Week 09 - Thursday, 21 August 2008
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
land rent scheme, which attracts strong community interest. These initiatives are designed to improve the supply of affordable housing, making home ownership a possibility for more Canberrans.
The government has also increased the number of community housing places available in honouring its commitment to transition Ainslie Village from a crisis accommodation site to a community housing site. After an extensive consultation process with residents and stakeholders, the government announced a tender process in October 2005 from an existing community housing organisation to provide housing management services at Ainslie Village. Havelock Housing Association was successful in this tender process.
Mr Speaker, the ACT housing system has been reshaped providing housing options and outcomes for people at all levels. The reforms I have outlined today demonstrate the extent of the change. The ACT now has a housing system that is truly responsive to the changing circumstances of individuals and families providing long-term benefits to them and the community as a whole.
In finishing, I would like to acknowledge those who have contributed to the paradigm shift that has found expression here. I would like to thank those in the housing sector and those officers in the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services—Sandra Lambert, Martin Hehir, Maureen Sheehan, David Matthews and many others. I would also like to thank the Deputy Chief Minister and her staff, because it has been a joint ministerial task brought to fruition.
Lastly, I would like to thank my staff, particularly Geoff Gosling and Kim Fischer, and recently Jennie Mardel, for contributing and for their assistance. I should not forget my former staff, Andrew Barr and Liz Lopa. Andrew, of course, has gone on to bigger and better things and so has Liz; and may her maternity all go well.
The Canberra community is better off now that the paradigm has changed.
Planning—infrastructure
Discussion of matter of public importance
MR SPEAKER: I have received letters from Mrs Burke, Mrs Dunne, Dr Foskey, Mr Gentleman, Ms MacDonald, Ms Porter, Mr Pratt, Mr Seselja, Mr Smyth and Mr Stefaniak proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, I have determined that the matter proposed by Mr Stefaniak be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
Planning and delivery of infrastructure in the ACT.
MR STEFANIAK (Ginninderra) (4.12): Yesterday, the Chief Minister used some words, in relation to his suspension from the Assembly, that were rather prophetic. Those words were “embarrassed”, “chastened” and “regretful”. And well may he use those words in relation to his behaviour because I think those words could equally apply to his government’s performance in the planning and delivery of infrastructure in the ACT.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .