Mr BAYLEY question to MINISTER for SMALL BUSINESS, TRADE and CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Mr BARNETT
[10.07 a.m.]
The Western Australian government announced this week that they will end nogrounds evictions. They join New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia in implementing the National Cabinet’s Better Deal for Renters agreement to end unfair evictions. It’s a critical step in protecting renters. No one should be kicked out of their home for no other reason than their lease ending. Tenants are already struggling to pay the rent with the fuel crisis hiking up the price of essentials. If they are unfairly evicted from their home during this crisis, it’s going be harder than ever to find an affordable place to live. With the tenancy act review months away and winter approaching, your government has the responsibility now not to leave renters out in the cold. Will you act to pause nocause evictions during this crisis?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the honourable member for his question. I’m glad he made reference to the Residential Tenancy Act legislative review, which is very much underway. It’s something we made a commitment to as a government.
You made reference to the national agreement as well and the national housing commitment. Our government has acted on that. We take it very seriously. I’m pleased to be able to ensure that there’s a full consultation, full feedback in the community. I know you support that –
Mr Bayley – It’s underway but it’s months away.
Mr BARNETT – on behalf of the Greens and I believe all members of this parliament recognise the importance of a comprehensive review of our residential tenancy legislation.
We need a balanced and practical approach. We want to ensure that Tasmanians have a roof over their head. The minister for Housing likewise –
Dr Woodruff – Thousands of them don’t.
The SPEAKER – Order. Honourable members of the Greens, you’ve asked a question. I ask that the Deputy Premier be heard in silence, please.
Mr BARNETT – I believe we’re all agreed in this place on the importance of having a roof over someone’s head in Tasmania. We have very ambitious targets in that regard in terms of delivering 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2032. In terms of caring for those doing it tough, we have substantial investment in crisis accommodation in Tasmania. That’s rolled out every day, 24 hours a day across the state.
I expect excellent feedback with respect to the review. I’m not preempting the review. There’s been a lot being said and done, and the Greens have put forward your thoughts and views and continue to do so. I encourage and appreciate that. We live in a democracy and that’s important in terms of those representing landlords, those representing tenants. They will all have views, as will community service providers and community Housing providers. There’s a lot to be said and done and there’s a lot more to take place between now and when that review concludes. We will assess all of that feedback. There will be further public consultation, and I’d be very pleased to have further discussions with members in this House in terms of the way forward, to ensure that we ensure the best interests of all Tasmanians.
Supplementary Question
Mr BAYLEY – The minister didn’t actually answer the question. He mentioned the importance of a roof over their head. I remind the minister that there’s 5333 applicants on the public housing wait list. They’re waiting 104 weeks and homelessness is going through the roof. The private rental market is putting pressure on the public housing system. The question wasn’t explicitly about the review. We acknowledge the review. We need action now, because the review will take many months to conclude. The question was: will you act to pause no cause evictions during this fuel crisis?
Mr BARNETT – I think I had a similar question on that in recent weeks in terms of rent caps and freezes, and as a government we do not support rent freezes or rent caps. In terms of experience in other jurisdictions, I want to make it clear that where those measures have been introduced it shows that they reduce rental supply, discourage investment and ultimately make it hard for tenants to find a home.
Mr Bayley – Point of order, relevance. Speaker, the question wasn’t about rent caps, it was explicitly around no cause evictions. Western Australia has done it, just about every other state has done it. Why can’t we do it in the interim while we wait for the review?
The SPEAKER – Order. Alright, that’s a very long point of order, but Deputy Premier.
Mr BARNETT – I think the honorable member is taking up much of the time for which I’d be very happy to respond.
Dr Woodruff – Please answer the question.
The SPEAKER – Order, Dr Woodruff.
Mr BARNETT – Look, we will take the time to get it right. There are no plans to progress with that approach as you’ve outlined at this time.
The SPEAKER – The Deputy Premier’s time has expired.
