Ms ANDERSON - 2011-03-29
Ms Kathleen Kahane, who is here in the public gallery today, currently lives in an Alice Springs public housing unit in a set of flats plagued with antisocial behaviour and violence. Recently, there was a stabbing at a neighbouring flat. These circumstances are enough to traumatise any of us. However, Kathleen also suffers from several disabilities, including mental illness. A tenant such as Kathleen should be able to receive an urgent transfer to alternative public housing. Why is it, when Kathleen requested an urgent transfer, she was told that it would take four years?
Madam SPEAKER: Before I call you, minister, I remind honourable members we do not usually name ordinary citizens in the House, even if the person is in the gallery. I advise you of that, minister, in your response.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. I have placed on the public record that I am completely opposed to violence and antisocial behaviour in our public housing complexes. I have also flagged that I have asked the department to take a hard line regarding antisocial behaviour and violence in our public housing complexes.
With members of the opposition, I have been very happy to come here and tour various locations and speak to tenants and neighbours alike. I am more than happy to speak with the lady you named here today, member for Macdonnell.
I also flag that I am in the process of drawing up legislation to further address this issue. I am red-hot about the issue of antisocial behaviour in our public housing complexes. Unfortunately, most of it emanates from people who are not residents. Often, it emanates from people who are visitors. I am looking at taking a very hard line on this issue.
In the meantime, my department works very closely with police. I am very interested to follow up on the issue of the urgent transfer for the lady you have mentioned, member for Macdonnell. I shall follow up with you and the lady after Question Time.
Madam SPEAKER: Before I call you, minister, I remind honourable members we do not usually name ordinary citizens in the House, even if the person is in the gallery. I advise you of that, minister, in your response.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. I have placed on the public record that I am completely opposed to violence and antisocial behaviour in our public housing complexes. I have also flagged that I have asked the department to take a hard line regarding antisocial behaviour and violence in our public housing complexes.
With members of the opposition, I have been very happy to come here and tour various locations and speak to tenants and neighbours alike. I am more than happy to speak with the lady you named here today, member for Macdonnell.
I also flag that I am in the process of drawing up legislation to further address this issue. I am red-hot about the issue of antisocial behaviour in our public housing complexes. Unfortunately, most of it emanates from people who are not residents. Often, it emanates from people who are visitors. I am looking at taking a very hard line on this issue.
In the meantime, my department works very closely with police. I am very interested to follow up on the issue of the urgent transfer for the lady you have mentioned, member for Macdonnell. I shall follow up with you and the lady after Question Time.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016