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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 7 Hansard (2 July) . . Page.. 2123 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

The Committee says that the Government should not proceed with rural residential development, but it failed to listen to the reasons in favour of it.

The first is choice. There are people in the ACT who prefer a rural lifestyle, but the only opportunity for this is across the border in NSW. It is disappointing to note the arrogance of some committee members who have no interest in providing for a lifestyle which is different from their own.

The second is forgone rates revenue. People who would prefer to live in the ACT, but have to live in NSW if they want a rural lifestyle, do not pay rates in the ACT but still use ACT services. It would, obviously make sense to provide for those people to live in the ACT and thereby expand the ACT's revenue base.

The third is more efficient land use. The flaw in the committee's argument against rural residential development is the (wrong) assumption that the only alternative to conventional urban development is the existing use for grazing. Clearly, it makes no sense to deny rural residential development and retain it for grazing on the grounds that one day in the distant future it may be required for urban development.

It is strange that the committee prefers to retain a lower valued grazing use, and less revenue for the ACT, than allow a higher valued rural residential use.

Finally, Mr Speaker, the Committee recommends against the Government's proposed changes to tenancy and eligibility criteria for ACT Housing tenants. This Opposition simply reflects Labor's old-fashioned prejudice against home owners.

The impact of the Committee's recommendation would be to make public housing available to all comers, including those who could easily afford their own home.

It does not seem to concern the committee that if you have a regular job and are on a high income you can keep out another person who is unemployed and needs help with housing.

This is not fair ... Mr Speaker. The government's policy - in contrast to the attitude of the committee - is to target fairer public housing assistance so that it is delivered more efficiently and equitably to people most in need.

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