Mr POOLE - 1999-08-19
Over the many years that I’ve stood in this place, on numerous occasions the Labor Party in opposition have asked questions and complained about the length of waiting lists for public housing in various centres. I understand there is still considerable pressure on the availability of public housing, particularly in Nhulunbuy. Could the minister advise the House of the current situation in Nhulunbuy with regard to waiting lists for public housing?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker,the aim of our policy is to reduce waiting times, particularly for 1 and 2-bedroom units for which there is most demand. Although there has been some progress in reducing waiting times in some centres, the situation in Nhulunbuy is still under significant pressure. In the case of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom accommodation, Nhulunbuy is the only regional centre where waiting times have actually increased.
In Nhulunbuy the waiting time for a 1-bedroom unit is 48 months, an increase of 12% since June 1998. For 2-bedroom accommodation the waiting time is 38 months, an increase of 27%, and for 3-bedroom houses the waiting time is 37 months, an increase of 48%.
We have managed to decrease waiting times in these categories in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek, improving the access of Territorians to much-needed taxpayer-funded accommodation. Unfortunately, due the limited availability of land in Nhulunbuy and the very small private market, our waiting times are still increasing there.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker,the aim of our policy is to reduce waiting times, particularly for 1 and 2-bedroom units for which there is most demand. Although there has been some progress in reducing waiting times in some centres, the situation in Nhulunbuy is still under significant pressure. In the case of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom accommodation, Nhulunbuy is the only regional centre where waiting times have actually increased.
In Nhulunbuy the waiting time for a 1-bedroom unit is 48 months, an increase of 12% since June 1998. For 2-bedroom accommodation the waiting time is 38 months, an increase of 27%, and for 3-bedroom houses the waiting time is 37 months, an increase of 48%.
We have managed to decrease waiting times in these categories in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek, improving the access of Territorians to much-needed taxpayer-funded accommodation. Unfortunately, due the limited availability of land in Nhulunbuy and the very small private market, our waiting times are still increasing there.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016