Hon. Samantha Rowe questions the Minister for Housing regarding the stagnant public housing income eligibility threshold since 2006, given rising cost of living. The Minister acknowledges the issue but does not commit to immediate changes.

AnsweredQoN 668Legislative Council
Asked
16 June 2015
Portfolio
Housing

QuestionView source ↗

PUBLIC HOUSING — INCOME ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLD
668. Hon SAMANTHA ROWE to the
Minister for Housing:
I refer to the income threshold for public housing
eligibility, which has remained stagnant since 2006.
(1) In light
of the significant increases to cost of living that formed part of the recent
state budget, including increases to power of 4.5 per cent, increases to water
of 4.5 per cent and a 2.4 per cent increase in public transport, does the
minister recognise that the income eligibility threshold needs to be increased?
(2) Does the minister intend to increase the income
eligibility threshold in the next 12 months?
(3) Is the
minister currently considering indexation options for some eligibility
thresholds to ensure that it reflects increasing costs of living?
(4) If no to (3), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) The
eligibility income limits aim to ensure that public housing is targeted at
those most in need of housing assistance. The department will continue to
monitor the income eligibility limits in line with this objective.
(2)–(3) No.
(4) Indexation may be considered in future reviews of the
eligibility limits.

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