Page 3730 - Week 10 - Thursday, 14 September 2017
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MR RAMSAY: I thank the member for his question. Clearly, the issue of supporting seniors and veterans is a priority of mine. I have had a number of conversations and a number of briefings with my directorate in relation to concession support. In conversations with the Chief Minister and my other colleagues, I am pleased to note that the concessions review that took place has meant there has been an increase in the supports being made available for our seniors who are on low incomes and who are renting. That has meant, I am advised, that around 15,000 of our poorest pensioners have been able to receive increased support through concessions. I will continue to monitor, continue to have conversations and continue to look through the matters, as was mentioned in the Assembly yesterday.
MR COE: Minister, is the government concerned about the impact of the increases in rates, and what have you done to advocate for veterans and seniors in this space?
MR RAMSAY: As I have said in a number of conversations, it is part of my role in government and I will continue to work on that. I note that there are around 30,000 Canberran households that are accessing the concessions and we are looking at how that can be further supported. I am pleased to note that this government has increased the funding to the concessions program by $35 million over four years. I will continue to be active in the area as we move forward in ensuring that our most vulnerable people, our most vulnerable members of the community, are well supported.
MS LEE: Minister, what action have you taken to study the impact on Canberra pensioners and fixed income retirees of 10 more years of excessive rates increases caused by the Treasurer’s plan?
MR RAMSAY: It is an awkward question to answer when the second half of the question contains a premise which I do not agree with. But I will continue to be active and, I hope, will continue to work with my directorate on ensuring that the most vulnerable Canberrans are supported in the most appropriate way, including, especially from my perspective, our older Canberrans.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders—housing
MR MILLIGAN: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. Minister, in a recent Canberra Times article, the Chief Minister called the development of an Indigenous housing policy a “long-term aspirational goal”. Yet this government is a signatory to the national affordable housing agreement. The goal includes the provision of appropriate Indigenous social housing; support for the homeless, more than a quarter of whom are Indigenous; and the provision of an Indigenous housing policy. Minister, what other matters covered by this agreement are “aspirational” and will not be implemented by this government?
MS BERRY: I thank Mr Milligan for the question. I am not quite sure where he is getting to with this, because the ACT government has been working very closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, particularly with the elected body, on ensuring that housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
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