Page 540 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


There is evidence that disadvantaged people are more likely to be both offenders and victims of crime and that the concentrations of economically disadvantaged young males in particular are a major factor in crime. So the high density housing safety and security project is a multi-agency program to improve the lives of and reduce recidivism rates for people who live in high density housing sites.

The project has focused on improving personal safety and reducing crime, enhancing the housing and physical environment, providing better access to government and non-government services, and promoting occupants’ health and wellbeing, because that is such an important driver too. How people view themselves and how people have respect for themselves drives so much of the rest of their behaviour.

The project is collaborative. It has been facilitated on the ground through a project manager and it focuses on community development, law enforcement and security and better service delivery. Our research reflects a growing recognition of the importance of tenant participation in these programs as well. So this program focuses very strongly on tenant participation in helping to promote health, social and economic benefits of things like physical activity, social inclusion and participation in common activities. The high density housing safety and security project has significant social and justice benefits, and we are already seeing excellent outcomes from this program.

I could speak further about programs such as restorative justice, our Indigenous guidance partner, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice agreement and, indeed, the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in restorative justice. Time does not permit me today, but I commend these programs to members.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mrs Dunne): There being no more speakers, the matter of public importance has expired.

Adjournment

Motion by Mr Corbell proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

Canberra and District Historical Society

MR COE (Ginninderra) (4.34): Today I would like to say a few words about the Canberra and District Historical Society. The society, well known to many for hosting the annual Canberra Day oration, is dedicated to encouraging the study of the history of Canberra and district and how our history connects with that of Australia as a whole.

The society is one of Canberra’s oldest community organisations, founded on 10 December 1953. Seventy-three people attended the first public meeting, with 60 foundation members signing up within a matter of weeks. The aims of the society


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video