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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 307 asked in the Legislative Assembly on 17 May 2022 by Ms D.G. D’Anna

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

HOUSING — REMOTE COMMUNITIES FUND

307. Ms D.G. D'ANNA to the Minister for Housing:

I refer to the McGowan Labor government's significant investment in housing and homelessness services across Western Australia. Can the minister update the house on the $350 million of funding in the state budget for the remote communities fund, and outline how this fund will improve the lives of Aboriginal people living in remote communities across Western Australia?

Mr J.N. CAREY replied:

I thank the member for her question and her advocacy.

I am deeply proud to be part of the McGowan government. Only last September, in last year's state budget, we announced a record injection of $875 million into social housing—more than $2 billion over four years. Yesterday, I saw our first homes go off as part of our modular program, in which we are producing 200 modular homes—150 in the regions—and we saw off the first four, which are heading up to Tom Price. Our current budget really shows that our strong economic management is delivering for the most vulnerable in Western Australia. That is why we have set aside a new fund: $350 million for remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. That is on top of the $100 million we already invest in maintenance services. We also already undertake other investments in water treatment plants and other upgrades. Of course, we have a community grants scheme for Aboriginal housing upgrades and maintenance.

We know that the issues are complex and we know they are difficult, but this signals a very clear commitment from this government to improve water and power and to bring back housing stock in those remote communities. Of course, this has in part been triggered by the complete failure of the Liberal and National Parties. I note that the state opposition said nothing; there was silence on this fund. Of course, we know the opposition's record and Colin Barnett's record in government, and their chaotic approach to remote communities. This fund was also created because, in 2018, the federal government walked away from the national partnership arrangement. As a result of that decision, it ripped out $100 million per year from remote communities, despite the fact that remote communities have always historically been the responsibility of federal governments.

I have to say that there was one very strong, warm welcome, even though there was silence from the Liberals and Nats—not surprising, given their record. That was from the former Leader of the Opposition, Zak Kirkup, who actually said it was ''outstanding leadership'' to deliver.

Ms R. Saffioti interjected.

Mr J.N. CAREY: They did not say anything, minister, because it does not matter to the Liberals or Nationals. They do not care. There is no recognition from them, no funding commitments, and their federal counterparts rip everything out of the system. I am deeply proud, as part of the government, that that $350 million has been set aside and that we can make a serious investment in upgrading housing, water and power in remote communities.