While the Tasmanian Greens strongly support reforms to residential tenancy laws to increase the rights and ability of tenants to have pets in their rentals, we back calls from community advocates for consultation with ALL stakeholders.
The Liberal Government made an unconditional election commitment to introduce reforms giving tenants the right to have pets, and the Bill tabled in parliament did a pretty good job. However lobbying from vested interests and a successful motion in the House of Assembly has seen the Bill stalled and subject to further consultation.
Three months have passed and today all members of parliament have heard from five community advocate organisations highlighting the fact that they have not been contacted as part of that further consultation.
We are respectful of the will of the parliament and acknowledge the call for more consultation, but it can’t be selective to just one set of interests.
The Liberals need to come clean on the consultation process; who are they talking to, why aren’t they consulting the community sector, and when will they conclude it and bring on the bill for debate?
Pets are acknowledged as delivering health and wellbeing benefits to their owners and the right to have one in a rental is fundamental reform with widespread support.
We and many others were disappointed in the delay to debate the Bill. If more consultation is needed, it must be balanced and include those standing up for tenants’ rights and animal welfare.
We call on the Rockliff government to get on with the consultation called for by the parliament and ensure it includes those community voices who want tenancy reforms that increase renters rights and tangible action that will improve their health and wellbeing.
