Page 4139 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 18 November 2015
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showed that repeat homelessness was declining and the homelessness services sector was becoming increasingly integrated and better targeted—this despite the pressures that have been created by persistent demand. The development of new, modern, energy efficient, sustainable and adaptable dwellings under the public housing renewal program is also being progressed.
I have been strongly focused this year on managing the transition for our tenants and the different people involved in the LINCT group and joint champions groups. They are doing a great job. Let us also remember the enormous benefit of this program for our local economy. This program will support construction right across the territory, and we know that each of these directly supported jobs is in turn supporting other local jobs. At numerous levels our government’s housing strategy delivers on our commitment to a fair and inclusive community and to Canberrans having jobs.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, how does the government’s work in this area compare to other jurisdictions?
MS BERRY: The government’s investment in housing and homelessness services is highly targeted. On a per capita basis, we typically invest more than other jurisdictions. The ACT provides 30 social housing dwellings for every 1,000 people in the territory, which is nearly double the national average. We spend an average of $58 per capita on homelessness services, the highest amongst Australian jurisdictions, and nearly three times the $19 spent in New South Wales.
In 2014-15 the total spent on specialist homelessness services was $19.6 million. As I often explain to the Assembly, this means people experiencing or at risk of homelessness have access to quality support services: services which work with them to resolve the issues causing homelessness and assist in establishing secure accommodation.
The recent evaluation of reforms to the ACT specialist homelessness service system noted that between 20 and 30 per cent of clients in ACT-supported and short-term accommodation services had recently arrived in the ACT from interstate. Sadly, a significant number of those people have had to flee abusive homes elsewhere. The ACT also has the highest rates of short-term supported accommodation for those in crisis, such as women, children and those fleeing domestic and family violence. In 2014-15 the central intake service provided support to 1,643 individuals or family groups.
These various factors create pressure for our services but, together with the government, these support services respond to the needs of our community. And we do so more than anywhere else in Australia.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, what are some of the factors creating demand for public and community housing?
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