The ACT Legislative Assembly has voted to support a community-led ’20 Homes by Christmas’ proposal.

Yesterday, independent Member for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson secured Assembly support for his motion which called for the ACT Government to back the initiative which seeks to renovate 20 of Canberra’s vacant public housing properties and get tenants into them before Christmas.

Mr Emerson said the passage of the motion was a positive step that could transform the lives of many vulnerable Canberrans.

“Canberrans from all walks of life have put their hands up to help,” Mr Emerson said.

“We’ve had carpenters, electricians, plumbers, suppliers, housing experts, and even lawyers reach out to get involved. Our community wants to be part of the solution because they can see the Government’s struggling to manage its public housing problems on its own. 

“It’s bizarre that I had to bring this to the Assembly to get the ACT Government to accept the free help on offer and commit to providing 20 suitable properties for Jonny and his team to get to work, but I’m pleased that they’ve finally come to the table.”

The Government will be required to evaluate and report back on the success of the initiative by the end of May 2027.