Criticism of RHA/Homeswest amalgamation 'laughable'

Housing Minister Jim McGinty says Opposition criticism of a proposal to amalgamate the Rural Housing Authority (RHA) with Homeswest is 'laughable'.

Mr McGinty said he was astounded that Opposition member Barry Blaikie could display such a lack of knowledge by claiming that the move was an attempt to transfer funds to meet so-called 'failed Government business activities'.

"No funds will be transferred from Homeswest as a result of the amalgamation," Mr McGinty said.

"You would expect that a senior member of the Liberal Party would be well aware that Homeswest is a self-funding Government authority that is not linked to the State's consolidated revenue fund.

"The transferral of any Rural Housing Authority assets to Homeswest would remain within that organisation for use in assisting farmers with housing finance.

"Mr Blaikie's conspiracy theory is unfounded, ignorant and mischievous."

Mr McGinty said the absorption of the RHA would streamline administration procedures and provide an efficient service delivery through Homeswest's large network of regional branches.

"It has been estimated that there will be an annual saving of $200,000 in administrative costs due to the amalgamation and this will be used to improve housing services and assistance in rural areas," Mr McGinty said.

"I would have thought Mr Blaikie would have been better served by applauding the amalgamation - obviously cheap political points mean more to him than a better deal for members of the rural community."