Page 436 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 18 March 2014
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I understand that what is affordable for one student is not affordable for another. That is why we have to make sure that there are a range of housing responses available right along the spectrum. I think that increasing the numbers of accommodation options that are directly provided by the university no doubt assists.
In fact, some of the recent rental data indicators I have seen have been showing that our targeted response to housing affordability in the territory is working and we are seeing downward pressure on the price of rents across the territory. That, I am sure, Mr Smyth, is something that you support.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, what is the current vacancy rate for on-campus accommodation at UC?
MS GALLAGHER: I would have to take that on notice from the university. I do not have that information, other than that I know there was a lot of demand for accommodation at the university, and they are promoting it to their students. In fact they are providing an accommodation guarantee for entry students coming into the university. That would indicate to me that there is a level of supply there for particular accommodation types, and I think it depends on the different types of accommodation available. Obviously, the new accommodation that was recently opened was in very high demand, but that has meant that some of their older accommodation is not as attractive for some students as it has been in the past. I will certainly see if the university can provide me with that information, but you could also pick up the phone and ask the university. They are very happy—
Mr Smyth: I just wanted to know if you knew.
MS GALLAGHER: I talk to the University of Canberra all the time, and I am sure Professor Stephen Parker, even though you are in the opposition, will be very happy to give you some of that information. But if you would like me to be the go-between, the middle person, the middle woman, I am very happy to do that.
Mr Smyth: But if you don’t know, it’s okay.
MS GALLAGHER: Mr Smyth, I can hear your little, nasty jibes. I do not have the vacancy rate for University of Canberra accommodation in my head, but I am very happy to be the conduit and provide that information to you.
Community sector—former Urambi school site
MR COE: My question is to the Minister for TAMS. Minister, what is the government’s intended use of the former Urambi school site in Kambah?
Mr Barr: It is mine.
Mr Rattenbury: Do you want to take it?
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