Page 2425 - Week 06 - Thursday, 24 June 2010

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MR HARGREAVES: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hargreaves.

MR HARGREAVES: Thank you. Minister, what other policy initiatives has this government been doing in the social housing sector of late?

MS BURCH: I thank Mr Hargreaves for his continued interest in our social housing program. Mr Speaker, as you can see, this is a very positive time for the social housing sector in the ACT. In addition to the “A place to call home” program, which is linked to support through community agencies, the ACT government is progressing the central intake service and the common waiting list. The central intake service provides a central access point for homelessness services and social housing in Housing ACT—

Members interjecting—

MR SPEAKER: Order! Ms Burch, one moment please. Members, I am having trouble hearing Ms Burch. The minister has the floor.

MS BURCH: The central intake service provides a central point of access for homelessness services and social housing in Housing ACT’s gateway services. The central intake service will ensure that clients do not have to negotiate with multiple agencies in order to access services. We expect that this service will commence in early 2010-11. The common waiting list will see an amalgamation of the public and community housing waiting lists.

Members interjecting—

MR SPEAKER: Enough already!

MS BURCH: This will provide a seamless service for applicants and this, too, is scheduled in early 2010-11. I am pleased to report that a regulatory framework for the not-for-profit housing providers has also been established under the Housing Assistance Act 2007. The ACT has a two-tiered regulatory framework—an affordable housing tier and a community housing tier. To date, two providers have been registered—

Members interjecting—

MR SPEAKER: Order! Ms Burch, one moment please. The next person who intervenes with frivolous chatter across the chamber will be warned.

MS BURCH: To date, two providers have been registered, one in each tier, and a further three providers are currently being assessed.

MR SPEAKER: Supplementary, Mr Coe?


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