Page 1352 - Week 04 - Thursday, 30 March 2017
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children in changing schools. The fact that many in the school community did not even know that these children live in public housing reminds us that division and exclusion can only happen when we let it.
As I have said many times in this place, housing tenure means nothing to children in a playground or on a sporting field. But public housing does provide a vital opportunity for us to improve equity in our society. It helps to break the cycle of disadvantage and connects people in need with a range of other services that they need to resolve the challenges in their lives.
Everyone needs a place to call home where they can be comfortable, feel a sense of ownership and be part of the community. So this government will not stop investing in modern, high quality public housing.
MR STEEL: How important is community leadership in making sure Canberra continues to offer a home for those who face significant challenges in their lives?
MADAM SPEAKER: Before I call the minister for housing, can I ask members on the other side to either participate in question time according to the standing orders or, if you want a conversation, take yourselves outside.
MS BERRY: I thank Mr Steel for his supplementary. It is an important question because the debate in this chamber and the comments coming from those opposite have been pretty disappointing. Instead of being a part of leading our community in this vital area of service provision, they have been trying to create fear and division. In contrast, the government is proud to work—
Ms Fitzharris: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER: Stop the clock, please.
Ms Fitzharris: I am finding it difficult, with the continued conversation—which is still continuing when a point of order is underway—to hear what the minister is saying.
MADAM SPEAKER: Those on the opposition benches understand the standing orders. We are now on question 7. Every question time the same request comes to you to allow ministers to answer questions. If you want a conversation, take yourself into the lobby.
MS BERRY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. In contrast, the government is proud to work with great community leaders who want to see us continue to improve in this area, groups like ACTCOSS, Shelter ACT, 35 service providers like the YWCA, St Vincent de Paul, Woden Community Service and the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, to name a few.
These leaders are on the ground and directly meeting people’s needs. They offer community leadership and they give government advice on the way we support people in our housing system. But it is a far cry from what we have had from the
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