Page 486 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 28 June 1989
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Let me say that in 1988-89 the ACT Housing Trust granted 220 loans, 36 of which were refinancing cases. There are currently 168 applicants on the Commissioner for Housing loans waiting list to be included in this application of funds. The Government announced on 25 May a comprehensive review of the housing policy, and all aspects of rental housing and ownership assistance, including refinancing and more affordable housing loans, are being examined as part of this.
We are behind in our housing building because of the wet weather. We have already signed contracts for houses to about $4m, so although we may have money it has already been committed. When it stops raining in Canberra long enough for the builders to get out to fulfil these contracts, you will find that we will not have as much money put aside as we would like to think, because there will have to be progress payments to builders. That is the situation at the moment. I think if the Residents Rally looks at its policy which it had during the election it will find it has already answered that.
Night Shift Workers
MR COLLAERY: My question is directed to the Chief Minister as spokesperson on justice and women. Will she launch an early public awareness campaign for employers to ensure that staff, particularly women, who work night shifts are escorted to their vehicles under a staff approved and agreed arrangement similar to that in operation for nurses at one location in Canberra?
MS FOLLETT: I do not think it is really appropriate to use question time to pre-empt any matters that might become government policy. As I am sure Mr Collaery knows, there is currently not a government policy on this matter. However, I think that it is an idea that might be worthy of some consideration, so I would be happy to take the question on notice and to offer some advice to Mr Collaery when it has been considered.
MR COLLAERY: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Is the Chief Minister aware that a considerable proportion of the population, including women, who work night shifts are feeling vulnerable in going to car parks, particularly in the city area - even from this building and even from this chamber - in the dark hours?
MS FOLLETT: Again, Mr Speaker, I think that question requires me to offer advice or to pre-empt information that I presently do not have. I have no advice whatsoever that people have such concerns. I have received no representations on that matter at all. But of course it would be a matter of commonsense that anybody leaving a building alone in a deserted area late at night may suffer a few pangs of anxiety about how safe he or she is. It is
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