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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-11-09 Daily Xml
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COMMON GROUND

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Social Housing. Minister, will you advise the house of the continued expansion and success of the Common Ground housing project?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:03): I thank the honourable member for his very important question. The state government has committed $22 million for more than 120 new Common Ground apartments that provide accommodation and support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

First came Franklin Street, with 38 apartments above the bus station. These have been fully tenanted for some time and, thanks to the support and stability provided by Common Ground, 21 people have already moved on to other stable accommodation, including home ownership, private rental and public rental.

In August, the next chapter in this success story was opened. Common Ground on Light Square adds another 52 apartments, GP consulting rooms, a fully-equipped dental clinic, and 24-hour staff support to the services already on offer. Since Light Square started taking new tenants in April, there have already been great personal success stories. A young woman whose life had been torn apart has stabilised her circumstances and got back into tertiary education—to do her PhD, no less. Next will be the Port Augusta Common Ground project that will add 35 units across two locations, with a special focus on Aboriginal people. I understand that this has recently been approved by cabinet and is now going to the Public Works Committee for consideration.

Common Ground's Adelaide projects demonstrate that the right resources combined with passion and commitment deliver the right outcomes. Located in the heart of the city, residents have easy access to public transport, education, employment and services, all while paying affordable rent. This reverses the usual experiences of entrenching disadvantage by excluding vulnerable people and forcing them to the margins of our mind and of our communities. Instead, we bring them into the centre.

Common Ground is a symbol of this government's commitment to social inclusion and social innovation. The concept came from our Thinkers in Residence program, and was endorsed and driven by both the previous and present premiers. I am very pleased to be part of this venture in my new role as both the Minister for Social Housing and the Minister for Social Inclusion.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Franks has a supplementary question.

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