Page 112 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 14 February 2012
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The government’s asset management strategy makes it clear that the progressive redevelopment of the public housing portfolio is essential to effectively manage our stock to better meet the needs of tenants and applicants. The shared equity scheme continues to be popular, with approximately 19 homes being sold under the scheme to date. Under the shared equity scheme, tenants purchase a minimum of 70 per cent of the value of the home that they are buying and the government holds the remaining equity, thereby enabling people to own their home while only needing to find 70 per cent of the value.
The success of this scheme is the number of tenants who could not otherwise have contemplated purchasing their property but who are now enjoying the benefits of homeownership. That success is further evidenced by the fact that two of the participants have already paid out the commissioner’s share of the equity.
The government has also introduced a range of measures designed to increase affordable housing options for older people who are not public housing tenants and who are not eligible to apply for public housing. One scheme involves making homes available at a concession rental so that tenants pay no more than 75 per cent of the market rent. Seven people have so far occupied homes under this scheme. Another scheme allows older people to own their homes through a leasing arrangement. Arrangements for the scheme will be shortly finalised. This scheme, again, allows people to buy in at 75 per cent of the market value of the property.
These schemes are designed to ensure that people over the age of 65 who are facing housing affordability issues have the opportunity to move into housing that better suits their needs without providing concessions to those who can afford to purchase in the private market.
Public housing dwellings being constructed now are designed to be as affordable as possible. By making them as energy efficient as possible and fitting them with energy efficient appliances, the cost of running these buildings is also reduced, and that certainly has an impact on older Canberrans. (Time expired.)
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: The time for this matter of public importance has expired.
Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question that the bill be agreed to in principle—
Mr Smyth: Madam Deputy Speaker, on a point of order, we have the censure motion currently before the Assembly that did not finish at lunchtime. I am just wondering why we have gone to executive business when there are still matters before the Assembly.
Mr Corbell: Madam Deputy Speaker, I am advised that the normal run of business now occurs, the standing orders having effectively kicked back in, which means
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