Page 2231 - Week 06 - Thursday, 6 June 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS BERRY: Moving into new homes can significantly improve the lives of tenants and give the best possible chance for them and their families to thrive. I have seen firsthand the change in tenants’ lives when they get the keys to their new home and become connected with a new community of neighbours, schools and services. This new program will be slightly different to the current program but will maintain the care and understanding of tenants’ needs as well as their preferences.
The initial focus of the growth and renewal program will be on renewing and replacing the homes of tenants who themselves have indicated that they would like to move. Housing ACT will continue to work with all tenants affected by the program to understand their needs and preferences, to figure out where they want to live their lives, and even to return to the same site of the redevelopment if they want to.
During the current renewal program and this new program, a team of officers support tenants before and after their moves to assist them in any way and cover all the moving costs. In both the investment in public housing as well as the construction of Common Ground Dickson, more people will be supported into long-term affordable housing. This investment is a clear expression of the values of the ACT government.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what other ongoing investments are being made under the housing strategy to address homelessness and housing affordability?
MS BERRY: Investments under the housing strategy are continuing into this year’s budget, with the two largest investments being for the growth and renewal of public housing and Common Ground Dickson. Other initiatives include the $5.7 million initiative to improve the energy efficiency of public housing and upgrade approximately 2,200 public housing properties to help tenants reduce their power bills and provide more energy efficient appliances. As at 28 May, as part of this program, 333 public housing properties had benefited from this scheme.
More funding for front-line homelessness services will continue, with a $6.5 million investment in early crisis interventions to prevent chronic homelessness for groups, including women and children escaping domestic and family violence; older women; young, pregnant women at risk of statutory intervention; and migrant families. At least 10 more dedicated and culturally appropriate homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tenants are being built, working closely with the elected body. A second site will soon be under construction.
These budget-funded initiatives are on top of the day-to-day operations of Housing ACT, which is providing housing options to around 21,000 Canberrans, providing $150 million a year in rental rebates to tenants and $24 million a year to front-line homelessness services.
Housing—affordability
MR MILLIGAN: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. Minister, figures collected by Anglicare on rental affordability show
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video