Page 1347 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 5 May 2015
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It is troubling that these residents feel they are being kept in the dark about the relocation. They told me they have not been consulted about the relocation. They also acknowledge that they may struggle sometimes to adjust to change, and it is a difficult process to go through. But it is very concerning, given that we have spoken in this place about the consultation that is taking place, that residents feel they have not been consulted. For example, Minister Berry in February this year referred to “the very extensive program of consultation rolling out for ACT housing tenants along Northbourne Avenue around the government’s plans for redevelopment and what it means for the tenants who live there”.
It reminded me of an old saying I learnt when I was quite young: tell them, tell them and tell them. You cannot presume that if you tell someone something once, they have taken it in. For people who may struggle to adjust to change and to adapt, telling them several times and in different ways is a very important part of the process.
I have really enjoyed chatting to the residents and sharing food with them. Many of them have displayed fantastic cooking skills that I have been the beneficiary of. I thank the residents of Owen flats for having me at their barbecues—in particular, Brendan, for inviting me, and all the other residents of Owen flats for their hospitality, including Maree, Laurel, Nathalie, Nick, Makin and many others. I look forward to speaking further with them over the coming months and wish them all the very best for their move and for the future.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 4.47 pm.
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