Page 2219 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 August 2016
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I would also like to point to the Senate committee report released in September 2015 on the impact of service quality, efficiency and sustainability of recent commonwealth community service tendering processes by the Department of Social Services. The report findings, as well as subsequent support from Senator Zed Seselja, who was recently appointed to the role of assistant minister for social services, recommended that five-year contracts should be awarded to ensure stability and the sector can then plan and deliver valuable services.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Hinder.
MR HINDER: What are some of the challenges facing ACT housing, homelessness and community services during this funding cycle?
MS BERRY: I have already raised the matter of funding certainty which is critical to housing and homelessness services in community services. As we approach 2017, despite the calls of housing, homelessness and women’s safety ministers from every jurisdiction across the country, as well as recommendations from the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Turnbull government has not funded the national partnership on homelessness, the NPAH, beyond 30 June 2017. This places uncertainty on the sector and it is particularly worrying when you recall that domestic and family violence is the biggest cause of homelessness. It is vital that early in the term of the new Australian government they end the uncertainty facing homelessness services, take greater action on housing affordability and match their statements on family safety by securing funding to services already on the ground.
Being able to work towards a future where Canberrans can live with housing certainty is a responsibility that the ACT government does not take lightly, especially in the face of the alternative. This government recognises the need to pursue the right choices for vulnerable Canberrans when it comes to housing rather than treat homes like commodities that can be sold off. It is estimated that 2,000 Canberrans will lose their jobs if the Liberal Party wins the next ACT election, based on the analysis of the $400 million black hole in its budget. The ACT government is firmly committed to its principled position of ensuring that all Canberrans have access to safe, secure and affordable housing well into the future.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, has the commonwealth put any restrictions on shifting public housing tenants into the community housing sector, and therefore into the community, and therefore being able to claim CRA?
MS BERRY: I ask Ms Lawder to repeat the start of that question. I did not quite catch it.
MS LAWDER: Minister, has the commonwealth put any restrictions on shifting public housing tenants into the community sector and therefore being able to claim CRA?
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