Page 3131 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 2013

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MADAM SPEAKER: Could you repeat the question, please, Mr Gentleman?

MR GENTLEMAN: Madam Speaker, yes.

MADAM SPEAKER: Even the preamble.

MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, in relation to affordability and housing activity in the ACT, have there been any recent reports detailing how we are tracking?

MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Barr, the Minister for Economic Development.

MR BARR: Yes, we have seen strong levels of both owner-occupier and investor residential finance data in recent times. We have seen the value of individual investor commitments increase by 8.6 per cent. We have seen an increase in the value of housing finance commitments for individual investors in the period up to June 2013.

The current level of individual investor housing finance commitments is higher than both the five-year monthly average and the level a year ago. I am advised that it is the second highest reported in history. The historically low interest rates, as well as above national average population growth that we are seeing today, and continued strong wage growth, particularly in the private sector, which is very pleasing to see, will support the local housing market into the future and will also help to ensure that our construction sector remains strong.

MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth.

MR SMYTH: Minister, will you now table the modelling that you have done to support the tax reform that you spoke about in your original answer?

MR BARR: I would refer the member to the budget papers.

Mr Smyth: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Smyth.

Mr Smyth: Under standing order 213, I ask that the Assembly now order the minister to table the documents that he mentioned in the estimates hearings when he said, “Yes, we have done modelling on the tax reform”—that, according to the process in 213A, they be tabled in this place.

MADAM SPEAKER: The question is that the documents be tabled. Did you actually move a motion?

Mr Smyth: I asked under 213A. I am happy to move a motion.

MADAM SPEAKER: You need to move a motion.


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