Page 1430 - Week 04 - Thursday, 5 May 2022
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Housing ACT—renewal program
(Question No 759)
Mr Parton asked the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, upon notice, on 8 April 2022:
(1) Does the Housing ACT Growth and Renewal Program have a discretion process.
(2) What is the process for tenants to apply for this discretion
(3) What is the process for reviewing the applications including the criteria for decisions.
(4) Who reviews applications.
(5) Who makes the approval or denial process of the applications.
(6) How many have applied for this discretion from the over 300 who received notices.
(7) How many have been (a) approved and (b) denied.
(8) What were the reasons for denial of applications.
Ms Berry: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
1. Yes, the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program has a discretion process.
2. Where a Tenant Relocation Officer has concerns for a tenant's welfare and does not believe relocation can or should proceed, they will complete an Application for Discretion Form with supporting documentation. The request is reviewed for the suitability of proceeding. Tenants are notified in writing if a discretion has been granted and they no longer are required to transfer. Housing ACT is continuing to refine and better articulate processes for tenants seeking exemptions from inclusion in the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program, and for the provision of ongoing relocation support, so these processes can be better understood by tenants and stakeholders.
3. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to:
• exceptional and urgent needs;
• the tenants age (currently tenants 80 plus and 70 plus for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders may be given a discretion);
• medical needs;
• personal circumstances; and
• the circumstances related to the property and its impact on the Program and the ability to house those most in need.
4. Director, Tenant Relocations, reviews the applications for discretion in consultation with the Portfolio, Planning and Alignment Team. A further refinement to the process will be the establishment of the Tenant Relocation Discretionary Panel to review applications against the criteria.
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