Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to incorporate in Hansard a response from Minister O'Connor to a question asked by Senator Payne on 20 September.

Leave granted.

The answer read as follows—

Dear Senator Payne

You asked a question of Senator Evans on 20 September 2012 regarding the Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) program. As the program falls within my responsibilities, I wish to provide the following response.

You asked whether all the $112.1 million included in my announcement for BBRC has been locked in.

I can confirm that of the sixteen councils included in my announcement, thirteen have funding agreements with the Department. Negotiations are continuing with the remaining councils, with the finalisation of some agreements being delayed by the timing of the NSW council elections. No decisions have been made to reduce or remove funding from any of those projects.

The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP

Minister for Housing

Minister for Homelessness