Mr BAYLEY question to MINISTER for SMALL BUSINESS and CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Ms OGILVIE
Tasmania’s rental laws mean tenants have fewer rights than their mainland counterparts and, as a result, life is harder than it should be. The Greens have spent years campaigning for reform to rental laws, only to be repeatedly denied by your government and Labor. We are glad to see some recent moves towards basic changes, however, this is not enough.
We are the only state where tenants are unable to make minor modifications to their home. Current laws mean people like Jenna, who is unable to use certain types of taps due to her disability, has to go through a months-long process just so she can access water in the home. Ten community service organisations wrote to members asking us to support reforming rental laws to give tenants the right to make minor modifications for safety, security, disability, energy efficiency and accessing telecommunications reasons. These organisations represent Tasmanians from different walks of life and who face different challenges, but they all agree on the need for reform. Will you heed the call made by these organisations and recognise the needs of thousands of renters? Will you support giving tenants the right to make modifications to their homes in these circumstances?
The SPEAKER – The time for asking the question has expired.
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, the question was actually more like a speech so I have tried to pick the eyes out of it. As you are aware, we are making much‑needed reforms and we brought some reforms to the election that have been well supported. I am aware of the letter to which you refer; I have sighted it.
In our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s future, we have committed to changing the law to allow renters to have pets as a right. We all love our pets. We introduced the legislation, delivering on our commitment made in the first 100-day plan and know that renters should not have to choose between having a place to live and the pet they love. We recognise that many tenants rely on the comfort and companionship of animals, particularly for their mental health and their wellbeing. We also recognise the importance for tenants to have pets for comfort, companionship –
Mr BAYLEY – Point of order, Speaker, on relevance, Standing Order 45. I am obviously aware of the bill and the pets element. I did not go anywhere near pets. This is about minor modifications.
The SPEAKER – Minister, I draw you to the specific part of the question which is about minor modifications required in rental properties.
Ms OGILVIE – As I was saying, we are doing the work around pets in rentals and you will also notice that we have brought in some reforms for toppling furniture, which as a mother I have championed. I see you grinning there, but it is important for the kids. We do not want furniture falling on children and it is really important that those minor adjustments and fixtures are allowed to happen.
I am aware of your letter and I am aware of quite a long list of proposals that you have made. I will consider those very carefully. I am not opposed to doing things that are sensible and balanced in a measured and prudent way. At the moment I have the two reforms that are very serious and very important – I think we have your support on them – that will make lives for tenants better. It is really important that we manage the balance between tenants and owners to make sure it is not a barrier for people to let their properties out. They are the conversations that will be happening and I am always happy to talk more.
