A big question mark hangs over Minister for Human Services Jacquie Petrusma’s competence to handle the portfolio.
“Jackie Petrusma was left floundering in Parliament today when she was asked a question on an issue critical to the future of public housing in Tasmania,” Ms White said.
“When asked whether $1.4 billion of housing assets had been written down in the Budget she didn’t know and couldn’t answer the question. The Minster responsible didn’t know where the $1.4 billion had gone.
“It was embarrassing and shows Ms Petrusma doesn’t have a handle on her portfolio.
“The management of 4000 public housing properties has been transferred to community housing providers but ownership of the assets should not be privatised.
“Ms Petrusma could not confirm or deny that the Liberals are moving to privatise public housing.
“Privatisation would put the housing assets at risk and threaten future Commonwealth funding.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Minister for Human Services
