Hon. Alanna Clohesy questions the Minister for Housing regarding the decision to cut funding for the Indigenous Tenancy Advocacy Service (ITAS) and seeks alternative solutions for Indigenous housing needs in remote WA. The Minister defends the decision by citing the consolidation of services under the STEP program.

AnsweredQoN 1221Legislative Council
Asked
23 October 2014
Portfolio
Housing

QuestionView source ↗

INDIGENOUS
TENANCY ADVOCACY SERVICE
1221. Hon ALANNA CLOHESY to the
minister representing the Minister for Housing:
I refer to the decision to cut funding from the Indigenous
tenancy advocacy service—ITAS—as at December this year.
(1) Why was the decision made to end funding for ITAS
services?
(2) Given the
cuts to ITAS will directly impact on Indigenous people in the most remote areas
of Western Australia, what alternative options will be available to assist in
meeting the housing demand?
(3) Will the
Minister for Housing now direct his department to reverse its proposed funding
cut; and, if not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

On behalf of the Minister for Housing, I thank the honourable
member for some notice of the question.
(1) The
department sought to consolidate its tenant and support services under the
support and tenant education program—STEP.
(2) STEP is
available in all locations previously covered by ITAS. In addition, the
Department of Commerce delivers a statewide tenancy advocacy service designed
to assist all Western Australians.
(3) No. These
services for Indigenous clients are provided under alternative programs.

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