Page 1076 - Week 03 - Thursday, 23 March 2017

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


agent must notify the LDA so that any conflict can be managed or avoided. It should also be noted that LDA Executives take necessary steps to ensure any conflicts are avoided before entering into contractual arrangements.

(2) As per question one, there is no legal restriction that would prevent this occurring. However, again, there is a requirement for all consultants to declare any conflict as soon as it arises or becomes apparent.

Housing ACT—domestic and family violence
(Question No 119)

Ms Le Couteur the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, upon notice, on 17 February 2017:

(1) Does Housing and Community Services have a policy manual to guide Housing ACT staff in appropriate responses to those who have experienced or are escaping domestic and family violence; if so, how often do staff at Housing ACT get training in the application of the domestic violence manual and how many have been trained.

(2) How many times have Housing and Community Services officers sought modifications to improve safety for clients who experience domestic violence.

(3) How many applications have been made to change tenancies to allow women and children who are subjected to domestic and family violence to stay in their property.

(4) In how many instances has debt been removed from a person’s account upon evidence of any Tenant Responsible Maintenance that can be attributed to domestic and family violence.

(5) Have there been any instances of debt pursued against tenants where there has been evidence of domestic violence.

(6) Has Housing ACT ever pursued charges of wilful damage against the user of violence where property damage is associated with the incidence of domestic and family violence; if so, how many times.

(7) How many people escaping domestic violence are on the priority list for ACT Housing dwellings.

Ms Berry: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) Housing and Community Services (HACS) does have a Domestic and Family Violence Policy Manual. The manual was formally reviewed, updated and relaunched in late 2015 following an extensive consultation process involving staff and community sector organisations.

All HACS staff have been provided training around domestic and family violence and were provided a copy of the new manual. Frontline staff with regular interaction with the public attended mandatory two-day training on identifying and responding to domestic and family violence.


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video