Page 1952 - Week 05 - Thursday, 6 May 2010

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schedule I have just tabled covers six leases granted for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 March 2010. In addition, 82 single dwelling house leases, 15 of which were land rent leases, were granted by direct sale during the quarter.

Public Accounts—Standing Committee

Report 5—government response

MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Women)(6.24): For the information of members, I present the following paper:

Public Accounts—Standing Committee—Report 5—Review of Auditor-General’s Report No 4 of 2008: Maintenance of Public Housing—Government response.

I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

I am pleased today to table the government’s response to the standing committee’s review of the Auditor-General’s report on the maintenance of public housing. In tabling the government’s response to the standing committee, I would like to make comments on the background of the maintenance of public housing. As members would know, the provision of public housing in the ACT dates from the early days of Canberra’s development where, over time, housing was provided to attract workers to meet major construction programs. This resulted in a legacy of a large proportion of government housing. This same legacy means that housing stock, comprising around 11,500 dwellings, has an average age of 30 years and is the oldest public housing stock in Australia. The age and structure of the public housing portfolio presents considerable challenges for the maintenance and rejuvenation of the stock. Our priority is to ensure that this portfolio is responsive to tenant needs, is affordable, safe, secure and appropriate.

Housing ACT tenants quite rightly expect and demand prompt and efficient maintenance and repairs to their home. Housing ACT applies best practice asset management principles in planning the delivery of maintenance services and this is achieved through a total facilities management model. This model enables Housing ACT to manage repairs and maintenance effectively within a fixed budget; provide a single point of contact; provide specialist assistance and high level technical advice; provide coordinated management; value for money; and delivery of services from an owner’s perspective.

Since 2005, Housing ACT’s total facilities management has been delivered by Spotless Pty Ltd, following an extensive tender process. The contract has two options for extension for two years, one in July 2008, which has been implemented, and one in July 2010, which Housing ACT has recently negotiated with Spotless. The contract is worth over $200 million for the potential seven years of duration.


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