Page 5145 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 27 October 2010
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electricians? Specifically, was there any information sought from the Construction Occupations Registrar as to the licensing status of the individuals who performed the work?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Hunter for the question. Clearly I do not have that level of detail about me. I will take it on notice. Suffice it to say, though, that our repairs and maintenance are managed through our facilities contract, through Spotless. They are indeed responsible for ensuring that anyone who undertakes work meets the necessary requirements. But in regard to that incident, I will certainly get back to you with the information required.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Hunter, a supplementary?
MS HUNTER: What actions, if any, have you taken or do you intend to take to ensure that all work done by contractors on behalf of Housing ACT is performed by individuals with the appropriate licences?
MS BURCH: It is certainly my understanding that our single contract with Spotless requires that any licensed work is carried out by licensed practitioners and that there is a list of prequalified or acceptable tradespersons and organisations that undertake a range of work, which can be from licensed work to painting and general maintenance. I will certainly clarify to make sure that those systems are in place. Incidents such as this always bring to the mind, not only through my office but through the department through Spotless, that it is always good practice to remind a contractor of their obligations as well.
MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Thank you. Minister, has your office or your department received any other complaints from public housing tenants about Housing ACT contractors and have any actions been taken against any contractors as a result of major or repeated complaints?
MS BURCH: Through my office, I do occasionally have concerns and complaints, whether it is about the standard of work or the timeliness of work. They come to my office. I do not know if that is the absolute extent of any correspondence that comes through, over the 11½ thousand tenancies that we manage. Indeed, being the largest landlord in the ACT, it is not unreasonable to have a number of notices of dissatisfaction with work undertaken. But I am not aware of any in particular. Again, I can take that on notice.
MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Thank you. Minister, what compensation is available to Housing ACT tenants when contractors cause further damage to a property and that inconveniences the tenants?
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