Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 29 June 2011:

With reference to the answer to question on notice no. 75 taken on notice during the 2010-11 additional estimates hearings of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, which reported that the department does not keep data on vacant commercial space:

(1)   Can the Minister advise which, if any, department currently keeps and collects data on vacant commercial space.

(2)   Does the department recognise the potential to transform vacant commercial buildings into affordable rental spaces.

(3)   Has the department done any research at all into the kind of incentives needed to make this attractive for property owners.

(4)   Will the Minister instruct the National Housing Supply Council to collect data on vacant commercial space; if not, why not.