Housing Trust Rent

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:02): My question is to the Minister for Human Services. Does the minister acknowledge that any increase for the most vulnerable people living in one-bedroom bedsits will cause unreasonable hardship? How does any increase for the most vulnerable help provide more social housing for homeless people? Since the fact that the government kept this quiet before the election, what consultation took place with housing stakeholders, community groups and tenants ahead of your decision to increase Housing Trust rents?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (15:03): In response to the last part of the honourable member's question, I have already responded to that in response to a previous question.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: What consultation?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: It is hard to consult on something when you're not aware that the policy isn't the way that the government has published it and stated it. I have already addressed this.

The Hon. J.E. Hanson: What about doing it after you realised that?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I have already addressed this.

The PRESIDENT: Through me.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: In relation to those who are in bedsits, well, the previous government saw fit to increase them themselves, so I guess they can ask themselves that question.