❓ Question on housing for Indigenous families in Halls Creek, WA, focusing on housing shortages, itinerant populations, and government policy on providing multiple homes to individuals with existing accommodation in their home community. The Minister acknowledges the housing problem and outlines planned responses.
AnsweredQoN 156Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
HALLS CREEK - HOUSING
Over the past few years there has been a net increase of four Homeswest houses available to indigenous families in Halls Creek. Six have been built, but two were replacements. Over the same period, up to 10 Aboriginal community houses in Halls Creek were demolished because they were uninhabitable, but they were not replaced; that is, there has been a net decrease of six available houses. (1) Does the minister accept that this has contributed to the housing shortage, which in turn has led to overcrowding, child abuse and domestic violence? (2) Is the minister aware that most of the approximately 120 itinerants in Halls Creek come from communities such as Balgo that actually want them to return home, and where accommodation has already been supplied? (3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE
Over the past few years there has been a net increase of four Homeswest houses available to indigenous families in Halls Creek. Six have been built, but two were replacements. Over the same period, up to 10 Aboriginal community houses in Halls Creek were demolished because they were uninhabitable, but they were not replaced; that is, there has been a net decrease of six available houses. (1) Does the minister accept that this has contributed to the housing shortage, which in turn has led to overcrowding, child abuse and domestic violence? (2) Is the minister aware that most of the approximately 120 itinerants in Halls Creek come from communities such as Balgo that actually want them to return home, and where accommodation has already been supplied? (3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(1) Does the minister accept that this has contributed to the housing shortage, which in turn has led to overcrowding, child abuse and domestic violence? (2) Is the minister aware that most of the approximately 120 itinerants in Halls Creek come from communities such as Balgo that actually want them to return home, and where accommodation has already been supplied? (3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(2) Is the minister aware that most of the approximately 120 itinerants in Halls Creek come from communities such as Balgo that actually want them to return home, and where accommodation has already been supplied? (3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(1) Does the minister accept that this has contributed to the housing shortage, which in turn has led to overcrowding, child abuse and domestic violence? (2) Is the minister aware that most of the approximately 120 itinerants in Halls Creek come from communities such as Balgo that actually want them to return home, and where accommodation has already been supplied? (3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(2) Is the minister aware that most of the approximately 120 itinerants in Halls Creek come from communities such as Balgo that actually want them to return home, and where accommodation has already been supplied? (3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(3) Is it government policy to build a second house for a family group in Halls Creek when that group has already been allocated a house in its own community, or will that group be restricted to one house, as is the case with every other community group? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
I thank the member for his question, and I congratulate him on getting the shadow portfolio. I look forward to working with him. (1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
(1)-(3) I am the coordinating minister for indigenous affairs. I do not have the entire detail of what is happening in other portfolios. However, I can inform the house that certainly the number of houses built was six. Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Mrs M.H. Roberts : That is only in the town. Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : That is in the town. About 19 dwellings were built on the reserves. I have not heard the figure of 10. I know that there were about three in the garden areas; I am not sure about the figure of 10. Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Dr K.D. Hames interjected. Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I am happy to confirm that. I have said in this house, and members know, that there is a housing problem in Halls Creek. When I came back from Halls Creek, I talked about housing, alcohol and health issues. Indeed, we have already responded to the housing issue. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has talked about the release of land, which will create about 40 lots for about 50 houses that will be used - Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Dr K.D. Hames : Will you try to get people from other communities such as Balgo, who just go to the town to drink because they are dry communities - Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I will come to that. We will be using those lots for Homeswest and Government Employees Housing Authority housing. Non-government organisations will also need housing to bring people into the community. There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
There is an issue with itinerants. Families and individuals have come from Balgo, as well as from communities that have closed down, one of which was Yagga Yagga. I will take the member’s comments at face value: there may be some families that have houses in Balgo. We do not have a policy of providing second homes. We do not have the resources for that but, more importantly, it is not good social policy. Some people in Halls Creek are genuinely in need of housing. That need was expressed by the residents of Halls Creek themselves at the meeting I attended. The residents and the shire have been saying that they need additional housing. I think everybody agrees that it is very important to build additional housing. Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Mr P.D. Omodei : You think? Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms S.M. McHALE : Well, apart from members opposite. We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
We will not be building houses for people who already have homes. We need to work with those people who have, amongst other things, alcohol problems, and the member for Dawesville will agree that a better response is needed to alcohol and substance abuse.
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