Page 1951 - Week 07 - Thursday, 13 August 2020
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Public housing—investment
MR GUPTA: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. How does the government’s investment in public housing compare to other jurisdictions across Australia?
MS BERRY: I thank Mr Gupta for his question. The ACT government is leading the country in investing in public housing. Last year I announced a plan to grow new public housing, with $100 million to build 1,200 new public housing dwellings, including 200 new homes for people in need of social housing. The ACT has the second highest ratio of social housing in Australia, with 27 dwellings for every 1,000 people, much higher than the national average of 17 homes, and leads the country in the provision of public housing, with 25 dwellings for every 1,000 people, against a national average of 12 dwellings.
The government acknowledge that there is more work to do, and that is why we continue to invest in more public housing for people who need it. We are also renewing old public housing to make sure that it is more affordable and comfortable and that it meets the diverse needs of Canberrans who need a safe and secure home.
The Chief Minister and I last week announced an additional investment into public housing, in response to the economic conditions created by COVID-19. The government has expanded the public housing program and will continue to build and upgrade more public housing over the program. This $61 million investment is on top of the existing $100 million program, which will now see the program deliver an extra 260 public housing dwellings.
The focus of the expansion program will be on housing people with disabilities or older Canberrans, through class C adaptable builds. The government is also committed to making sure that the existing public housing properties are maintained to continue to serve the needs of existing residents, with nearly $9 million injected for general property and energy efficiency upgrades. This will see new home upgrades like reverse cycle air-conditioners, new hot water systems and stoves installed in up to 1,300 homes. At least 250 properties will see larger upgrades such as kitchen and bathroom replacements. (Time expired.)
MR GUPTA: Minister, over this term of government, what has the government done to increase social housing assistance and reduce homelessness?
MS BERRY: There is not enough time in two minutes to describe every one. However, over the last four years there have been significant achievements in increasing supports for housing and homelessness for Canberrans who need it. Working in partnership with the dedicated specialist homelessness sector, the ACT is well placed to address the national challenge that every city is facing.
In 2018 I announced the new ACT housing strategy that will guide the ACT government’s work in delivering social and affordable housing and reducing homelessness, with an upfront commitment to grow and renew public housing over
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video