Page 2216 - Week 06 - Monday, 11 May 2009
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Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) All dwellings constructed before 1988 may have materials that contain asbestos. Housing ACT has approximately 5,300 dwellings and 200 small to large multi-unit complexes that were built prior to 1988.
(2) Materials containing asbestos are removed from a dwelling when:
a. A full refurbishment is undertaken to the kitchen or wet areas;
b. A property becomes vacant at the end of a tenancy and materials containing asbestos are found to be in fair to poor condition;
c. Any materials that may contain asbestos are identified as being broken or in poor condition.
All materials containing asbestos are removed in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and the relevant Australian Standard.
(3) In 2005 all Housing ACT tenants were informed in writing that materials in their properties may contain asbestos, as required by the Dangerous Substances (Asbestos) Act 2004. The letter contained a household guide on asbestos, which provided information about the tenant’s responsibilities under the law. All prospective and new Housing ACT tenants are notified in writing that the dwelling being allocated may have material containing asbestos when they sign a tenancy agreement for a Housing ACT property. They are also provided with a fact sheet on managing asbestos. A copy of the letter and the fact sheet are attached.
Where a property that may contain asbestos is brought to the attention of Housing and Community Services independent professional advice to confirm its presence and stability is sought. If it is determined that there is “unstable” asbestos, it is removed in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and the relevant Australian Standard.
(Copies of the attachments are available at the Chamber Support Office).
Housing ACT—properties
(Question No 142)
Mr Coe asked the Minister for Disability and Housing, upon notice, on 26 March 2009:
(1) How many properties are managed by Housing ACT.
(2) What is the breakdown of these properties by (a) dwelling type and (b) suburb.
(3) How many of these properties are tenanted at the market rate of rent by (a) dwelling type and (b) suburb.
Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) As at 27 March 2009, 11,569.
(2) It has been a long standing Government policy not to release information that might enable public housing to be individually identified. This includes the location of
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