STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES, LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION,
HONOURABLE VINCENT WHEATLEY
AT THE SITTING OF THE 5TH SITTING, 2ND SESSION,
4TH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY,

TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY, 2020- LIVING ON BOATS

Mister Speaker, it has come to my attention that a number of persons who reside or either work and reside in the Territory live on boats throughout the Territory. 

Mister Speaker, although the immigration act is silent on this issue, the spirit of the law confers that living accommodations in the Territory should be land based.

Mr. Speaker we acknowledge that housing has been a challenge since the storms of 2017, However, Mister Speaker, living on boats should not be a long-term solution. Long term residence on boats in the Territory can and will cause serious damage to our environment.

Mr. Speaker, this practice must be discontinued and as Minister with the responsibility for the environment,

I will put measures in places to correct this ever growing practice.