Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has criticised Housing Minister, David Borger for his continuing failure to fully respond to representations on behalf of public housing tenants in Turramurra.
“The future for a number of tenants has been placed in limbo, following advice from Housing NSW that it intends to sell their homes and relocate them,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Some of the tenants are elderly, struggle with health issues, have limited mobility and have been excellent tenants for decades, but are now facing an uncertain future.
“I am still waiting for the Minister’s substantive reply to two letters on this issue, dated 6 and 20 March and for his answer to questions asked on 24 March. In the meantime, these anxious public housing tenants are being left in limbo,” Mr O’Dea said.
“One of my questions related to rumours that NSW Housing was negotiating with Meriton over the purchase of unsold unit stock in St Ives. While the Minister appears unwilling or unable to provide a prompt and concise answer, private enterprise has,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Based on strong assurances from Meriton, I am now satisfied there is absolutely no truth to the rumour that the NSW Government has been negotiating with Meriton to purchase or rent any of its apartment stock for the purpose of public housing,” Mr O’Dea said.
“If I am able to obtain clarification from the private sector, why is it taking the Minister so long to respond to a Question On Notice in Parliament?
“I call on the Minister to treat his public housing tenants in Davidson better, to answer my representations on their behalf and to promptly provide answers to my other questions in Parliament”. Mr O’Dea said.
“The public housing tenants in particular and the community in general deserve clarification and certainty for the future, without further delay,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
