Page 4130 - Week 13 - Thursday, 10 November 1994

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MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 1425

Housing Trust - Domestic Violence Victims

MR CORNWELL - Asked the Minister for Housing and Community Services In relation to people seeking safe housing following domestic violence situations:

(1) Are ACT Housing Trust flats and/or houses held vacant and ready to accept "DVOS" at short notice; if so, how many of each type of housing.

(2) Is there an arrangement between the states and territories which enables quick transfer and housing of victims of domestic violence; if so, what are the details of that agreement.

(3) In (a)1993, (b)1994 to 30 June, how many domestic violence victims, by

family or single person, were housed in the ACT after fleeing from other

(4) In (a) 1993, (b) 1994 to 30 June, how many Canberra families or single

persons were relocated to other (c) states, by name or (d) territories, by

name, as domestic violence victims under this agreement.

(5) Recently, (a) was a group of four families relocated into the ACT in the same week from one state due to incarceration of the male parent in each case; (b) were they all relocated to the one area and (c) if so why.

MR LAMONT - The answer to the Members question is as follows

(1) No, the ACT Housing Trust does not hold houses or flats vacant in anticipation of requests for accommodation by victims of domestic violence.

Nevertheless, the Housing Trust has established procedures which help people who are homeless and in crisis to access housing in a timely manner. Priority housing is available for people who are eligible for Housing Trust accommodation. The Commissioner for Housing may, at her discretion, waive the guidelines in crisis situations.

The Supported Accommodation Assistance Program, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and ACT Governments, funds community organisations to provide accommodation and support to women and women with children who are homeless. The criteria for access to SAAPfunded services is to be homeless and in crisis. Many of these people are also victims of domestic violence.

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