Page 2108 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 6 August 2014
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MR BARR: I move:
(1) Omit paragraph (1)(g), substitute:
“(g) there is no single solution to the complex human experiences that lead to homelessness that can include family breakdown, mental health concerns, poverty and unemployment;”
(2) Insert new paragraphs (1)(h) and (i):
“(h) the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to the creation of more social and affordable housing, increased early intervention and prevention programs, and an inclusive community; and
(i) the ACT Government’s ongoing investment in redeveloping and adding to the public and community housing stock, including, for example, the construction of Common Ground Canberra and the accommodation built in Casey through the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund; and”.
(3) Omit paragraph (2)(a), substitute:
“(a) work with a range of partners to increase the supply of all housing types, especially affordable housing, and to develop new financing models for housing supply;”.
(4) Omit paragraph (2)(c), substitute:
“(c) call on the Federal Government to reconsider funding for the National Rental Affordability Scheme, widely regarded as improving the supply of affordable rental properties across Australia; and”.
(5) Add new paragraph (2)(d):
“(d) call on the Federal Government to continue to provide funding beyond 2014-15 to homelessness services.”.
MS BERRY (Ginninderra) (3.43): I am pleased to speak today on a matter that I, too, care deeply about—the importance of ensuring housing is accessible to all Canberrans. Ms Lawder spoke admirably about the importance of housing affordability, but affordability is not enough to deal with this quite complex issue. Canberrans need accessible housing—that is, housing within their budget, housing that is fit for their needs, housing that facilitates their full participation in our community. Achieving that has no simple or one-size-fits-all solution. As the minister spoke about, the ACT government has taken strong steps to work with the previous federal governments to improve housing accessibility for all Canberrans.
Ensuring housing access for Canberrans is particularly important for women in the territory. The primary cause of women’s homelessness is domestic and family violence. When they are seeking housing, it is likely to be in an emergency, often with children and all too often in traumatic circumstances. These are not circumstances in
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