QUESTIONS ON NOTICE › National Rental Affordability Scheme (Question No. 717)
Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 29 June 2011: With reference to the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS): (1) In regard to NRAS Round 3 which called for applications with 1 000 plus incentives, and reports during the 2011-12 Budget estimates hearings of the Environment and Communication Legislation Committee (the 2011-12 Budget estimates hearings) that it ‘took an average of eight weeks to complete assessment for those applications’: (a) how many applications were received; (b) what was the average time taken to complete the assessment of those applications; (c) what was the longest period of time taken for the applications; and (d) can a table be provided listing the successful applications by name of applicant, description of project (number of studio, 1, 2, 3, and 4+ beds) and the location (suburb and state/territory). (2) In regard to the NRAS Round 4 which closed in December 2010, and reports during the 2011-12 Budget estimates hearings that most applications were received on 14 December 2010, with offers made on 1 800 incentives but the assessment of 15 000 applications for 52 000 incentives still outstanding: (a) how many applications were received for Round 4; (b) how many offers have been made to date; (c) given that NRAS regulations stipulate incentives will be assessed and offers made within 6 months, how many applicants will receive notification outside this time limit; and (d) of the successful applications made, can a table be provided listing the name and description of project (number of studio, 1, 2, 3, and 4+ beds) and location (suburb and state/territory). (3) In regard to NRAS Round 5 which is yet to be announced: (a) is there an indicative timeframe for when Round 5 will be announced, and for how many incentives; and (b) are any particular themes or strands (such as student housing, large developments) being considered for Round 5. (4) How is the strand for each NRAS round decided.