Page 2110 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 5 June 2019
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allocations are made but I can go through that again, if that provides some assistance to the Assembly. Housing ACT goes through processes in making sure that those people most in need get allocated housing first.
MR PARTON: Minister, what will be the basis of choosing tenants to move into this particular complex given that you have indicated in this chamber already that personal safety is the main reason for moving people out? If the current residents are not safe, how can new residents be safe?
MS BERRY: I did not. I actually said that it was one of the reasons for tenants being moved out of particular housing. This housing is built for a particular purpose and there are a number of community partners involved in tenanting some of these properties. It does have a number of programs through it at the moment. There are some issues that have been identified by the community that police are investigating and Housing ACT is well involved in, as is the Justice and Community Safety Directorate. Without jumping to any conclusions or making decisions yet, I will allow those officials and others to get on with their work in ensuring that people are safe where they live and providing supports to those people who most need it. We can then go on to the next stage: if there are vacant properties, that they are allocated appropriately.
Public housing—safety
MR WALL: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. Minister, it has been reported that contractors have refused to undertake work orders at the complex referred to in previous questions, due to antisocial and violent behaviours. It is also reported that residents will not leave their units at night due to the intimidatory and unsafe environment. Minister, have Housing ACT contractors been threatened or actually assaulted at the particular complex in question?
MS BERRY: I have not been advised and I am not able to respond to Mr Wall’s question with regard to the actual numbers that Mr Wall has asked about. I am aware—
Mr Wall: No, I said “have any”.
MS BERRY: This is a pretty serious matter. I am trying to be very careful about not identifying any individuals or others. I think everybody understands that there is a situation that is being investigated by the police. Directorates and experts in this place are all involved in resolving this issue and getting to some point where people feel safe again. So let us just let those people get on with the work. I am happy to answer questions where I can, but it is under police investigation. All the officials and experts in resolving these issues are involved. It is best for them to get on with their work; then we can work out a way forward for these individuals and others. Housing ACT works closely with all of these organisations, as well as program facilities management, in addressing issues around safety and security.
Mr Coe: Madam Speaker, I raise a point of order on relevance. The specific question that Mr Wall asked was about Housing ACT contractors. I ask that the minister be directly relevant. I am sure she can be without naming any contractor.
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