Page 2099 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 5 June 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Taken together, the current renewal and incoming growth and renewal programs will see 20 per cent of our public housing replaced for new tenants over a period of 10 years. Under the housing strategy there will not be sell-offs or privatisation but real investment in government-owned and run public assets which currently house over 20,000 Canberrans, with more to join soon.
This year’s budget also allocates funding for Common Ground at Dickson, which will provide 40 units of social and affordable housing for people who are experiencing chronic homelessness. This fantastic model, and the government’s support, under the housing strategy will continue building on the success of the first Common Ground in Canberra in Gungahlin. I have seen many examples of Common Ground around this country. It is a great model for the ACT, with wraparound supports which see residents in long-term accommodation stay safe and happy.
The ACT saw a reduction in homelessness between the 2011 census and the 2016 census, despite a rise nationally and an increase in population in the ACT. This is thanks to the hard work of the specialist services in the homelessness sector working together in early intervention as well as working with people to get the housing supports that they need. And whilst there has been a small increase in rough sleeping, the government is building on that support with more funding in last year’s budget to establish new homelessness programs for emerging cohorts, including older women, migrant and refugee families.
It is important to point out the big difference that the reduction in stamp duty and the abolition of stamp duty for first homebuyers will make for people in this community. It will absolutely benefit first homebuyers in the ACT. From 1 July first homebuyers will be able to purchase a new home without having to worry about saving money for stamp duty payments. That will make a significant difference to the lives of people in the ACT community—getting into a home of their own for the first time.
I thank Mr Coe for bringing on this motion today, because it gives the ACT government the chance to again explain the tax reform that has been taken on by the Chief Minister as well as some of the record investments in housing in this year’s budget.
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (11.29): I rise to support Mr Coe’s motion today and I thank him for bringing it to the Assembly today. It is an important topic for us to discuss. This is a motion that recognises those in our society who are struggling—struggling with their taxes, struggling with their rates, struggling with the cost of living in our city. This is a motion that recognises and supports the most vulnerable members of our society. This is a motion that puts into effect the Canberra Liberals’ commitment for those most vulnerable in our society.
For most of us, Canberra is a wonderful place to live. It is a beautiful city and it has many advantages. But we have a two-tiered city, and the gap between those two tiers is increasingly evident. I hear a lot from constituents about the pressures of mounting costs of living. Things are getting so much more expensive in Canberra.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video