❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about Homeswest terminating tenancies of low-income women, particularly single women over 50, due to exceeding income thresholds. The Minister responds by outlining review processes and support options, but lacks specific data.
AnsweredQoN 986Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
HOMESWEST, TERMINATION OF TENANCIES
Recently, Homeswest tenants have been told their tenancy is to be terminated because their income exceeds the Homeswest income threshold for public housing. During the past two weeks, I have been contacted by four single women in the over-50 age bracket, some with children still at home, who have been given six months to find alternative accommodation. (1) Will the minister table details of the review that has resulted in a number of women having their Homeswest tenancy terminated? (2) How many women have exceeded the income threshold for public housing? (3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS
Recently, Homeswest tenants have been told their tenancy is to be terminated because their income exceeds the Homeswest income threshold for public housing. During the past two weeks, I have been contacted by four single women in the over-50 age bracket, some with children still at home, who have been given six months to find alternative accommodation. (1) Will the minister table details of the review that has resulted in a number of women having their Homeswest tenancy terminated? (2) How many women have exceeded the income threshold for public housing? (3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(1) Will the minister table details of the review that has resulted in a number of women having their Homeswest tenancy terminated? (2) How many women have exceeded the income threshold for public housing? (3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(2) How many women have exceeded the income threshold for public housing? (3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(1) Will the minister table details of the review that has resulted in a number of women having their Homeswest tenancy terminated? (2) How many women have exceeded the income threshold for public housing? (3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(2) How many women have exceeded the income threshold for public housing? (3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(3) How many of these women have dependent children? (4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(4) What is the threshold income for women with dependent children? (5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(5) Will the Government provide any benefits for families in these or similar situations? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I have been looking for a moment to talk to her about these issues, because opportunities exist to deal with this process in a positive way. The member can imagine the difficulties in public housing across Australia when people earning high incomes are seen to be living in public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon B.M. Scott: I am talking about women below the threshold turning their lives around. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I hear what the member is saying, but I am sure she appreciates the policy change that is necessary to ensure that high-income earners do not occupy public housing. Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon B.M. Scott: None of these women fits into that category. Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon Barry House: You are chucking them on the street. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have been doing a great deal to ensure that people are not chucked out on the street. The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister will take note only of the acknowledged questioner. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Thank you, Mr President. (1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(1) The terms of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement include a commitment that all public housing authorities will review tenant eligibility with a view to ensuring that only eligible tenants remain in public housing. Eligibility is based on income, cash assets and property ownership. If a tenant is income ineligible, any assessment will include the stability of the income. If the high income is permanent or ongoing, the situation will be reviewed every six months. In those cases, tenants will be offered the option of home ownership. The Department of Housing and Works has established a committee that includes community representation and members of the department’s executive. The committee is charged with reviewing all cases in which a tenant is no longer eligible and the regional office has requested that he or she be asked to relocate. In this regard, tenants can be assured that their situation is thoroughly investigated before a final decision is made. The member may care to refer the four cases of concern to that committee. As far as I am aware, no Homeswest tenancy has been terminated under the circumstances that she has described. If she has evidence that that has occurred, that is news to me. I will immediately take steps to have the cases reviewed by the committee. (2)-(3) Unfortunately, the data requested by the member is not readily available. However, I am endeavouring to provide it to her as soon as possible. I have sought the same data for my own purposes. (4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(4) The department’s income eligibility limits differ depending on the number of household members, whether the client has a disability and the location of the tenancy - that is, metropolitan and country versus the north west and remote areas. Clients’ cash assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility; for example, for a single person with two children living in the metropolitan area, the income eligibility limit is $630 a week gross, with a cash asset limit of $33 400. (5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
(5) Where possible, the department will offer the tenant the option of purchasing the tenancy. Tenants would be eligible to utilise the department’s rental sales scheme for tenants, which was introduced in July 2001. That scheme provides a number of incentives, including a grant of up to $3 000 towards stamp duty, valuation and settlement fees. The purchase price takes into consideration any capital improvements the tenant has made to the property up to a value of $5 000. In addition, if the tenant is a first home buyer, he or she can access the $7 000 first home owners grant. There are alternative options for people outside the eligibility criteria to take up housing, including the purchase of the house they are occupying.
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