Page 2111 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 5 June 2019
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MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Coe. Minister, I think that at the beginning of the answer you were saying you were unsure of the numbers and did not have that information to hand, so I do not think there is a point of order. You have 10 seconds left to continue.
MS BERRY: No, thank you.
MR WALL: Minister, have you or your department failed in the duty of care to provide a safe environment for either contractors visiting the complex or the residents living in this complex by failing to address the issues of violence occurring?
Mr Ramsay: On a point of order, the question is specifically asking for a legal opinion on whether someone has failed in a duty of care. There is very clear evidence—
MR WALL: Let me rephrase the question, please, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, have you failed to ensure there is a safe environment for either contractors working at that facility or the residents that are forced to live in that property as a result of the violence occurring?
MS BERRY: Did you say “forced”?
Mr Wall: They are forced to live there. That is the home they have got.
MADAM SPEAKER: There is no discussion across the floor.
MS BERRY: I was seeking clarification. I beg your pardon, Madam Speaker; I was curious about the language regarding people being forced to live in public housing. Housing ACT supports people who often have complex issues and complicated things going on in their lives, and they need additional support. Sometimes people need extra support in learning how to live back in the community in a safe way. But Housing ACT is not responsible for ensuring that criminal investigations are carried out by Housing ACT staff. That is a matter for the police.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, we do not need your commentary.
MS BERRY: However, Housing ACT works very closely with policing where issues of a criminal nature are being investigated. As I said before, if there are breaches of the Residential Tenancies Act then Housing ACT makes sure that they take the appropriate action that is required. Criminal matters are investigated by the police. Housing ACT matters are matters for Housing ACT, which includes making sure that we work with the different community organisations, as well as the Justice and Community Safety Directorate and their minister, to make sure that people who need that extra support, who have complicated lives, are supported appropriately.
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