Hansard - ACT Legislative Assembly

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 6 Hansard (22 June) . . Page.. 1638 ..

Housing - Payments

(Question No. 121)

Mr Quinlan asked the Minister for Urban Services, upon notice:

In relation to the payment options to ACT Housing-

(1) Is it true that payments can no longer be made at Australia Post outlets and if so, when

and how was this decision made known to ACT Housing residents.

(2) What is (a) the cost to the ACT Government of having payments payable through

Australia Post and (b) can this figure be broken down to a per transaction level.

(3) What payment options remain for ACT Housing residents.

(4) Is it the case that a direct debit option is available to Housing residents and if so,

(a) what security mechanisms are in place to ensure that there is no additional access to the clients financial affairs, bank accounts etc; and

(b) what additional costs are incurred or are likely to be incurred by the client on the transaction.

(5) How many complaints have been received by your department and/or office regarding

the waiting time at shop fronts associated with making payments

Mr Smyth

: The answer to the Member's questions is as follows:

(1) Yes. The ability of ACT Housing tenants to pay their rent and sundry debts at

Australia Post outlets ceased as from 1 March 1999.

ACT Housing notified government tenants of the cessation of the contract with Australia Post as follows:

September 1998 - a personal letter was sent to each tenant.

October 1998 Tenants Newsletter - an article was included.

January 1999 Tenants Newsletter - an article was included.

February 1999 - a personal letter was sent to each tenant.

(2) (a) the cost to ACT Housing depended on the number of transactions. There was an

average of 11,000 transactions per month that cost ACT Housing approximately

$250,000 per annum.

(b) each transaction cost was $1.76 plus $0.27 if the payment was made by cheque.