Page 234 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 30 May 1989
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The question of the ACT Housing Trust constructing homes for sale to low and moderate income earners has not been considered so far, but it has been brought up by many of the groups. Particular mention has been made of problems experienced by aged residents. Many older people wish to acquire houses more suited to their lifestyles, but they are not eligible for Housing Trust assistance. I would be happy for this debate to be expanded to consider the broader question raised by Mr Duby, of construction of houses for sale by the Housing Trust, as this was also brought up by many groups.
The sale of public housing to tenants is a complex issue. I have already given the Government's commitment that the stock of public housing in inner urban areas will not be reduced. The Housing Trust needs to increase stock in inner urban areas, and I had the pleasure of opening a new project in Turner last Friday. It provides a wonderful example of new houses in older areas, and I am happy to say that some members of the Assembly were there when this was opened. The Government welcomes the No Self Government Party's support for the continued role of the Housing Trust in the area of rental accommodation.
I said last week that housing is a very high priority on the Government's list. We will introduce new schemes as they are needed. A local government and community housing program has recently been commenced by the Housing Trust. I support the concept of community housing, and the trust is seeking to become more deeply involved in this area. With regard to tenant participation, I have said to the trust that I wish to see more ways develop to ensure greater tenant responsibility and control. The review will also be responsible for developing detailed proposals for the housing and tenant council and the rental bond trust promised by the Chief Minister in her speech.
Terms of reference for the review clearly demonstrate the Government's desire to ensure that the needs of special interest groups are addressed in the line of our social justice policies. We will talk with these groups to ensure that their needs and desires are properly reflected in the advice provided to the Government. This Government agrees that youth homelessness is a tragic issue for our society. I am presently studying a report on youth accommodation which has just been finished for the ACT Housing Trust. I hope to release that report soon.
Our waiting list for houses has been growing, and I share Mr Duby's concern for delays in the repairs to public housing. I am very concerned about this when I see empty houses that people could be using. The review will address this issue and provide advice to me on measures that could be introduced to reduce vacancy rates caused by such delays. We already have a consultant working on this program. I have the pleasure of announcing to the Assembly that the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Ken Horsham, will
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