Prahran electorate
Sam HIBBINS (Prahran) (14:48): (346) My constituency question is for the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and I ask on behalf of the near two-thirds of Prahran constituents who rent: what is the government doing to stop unlimited rent rises for renters in Prahran? The government’s housing statement has not included rent controls for renters. They are struggling terribly with the skyrocketing cost of living. They are forced to pay exorbitant rates for often substandard properties. Many live with constant worry and stress that a further rent rise will push them to the brink of homelessness or housing insecurity. By failing to commit to a rent freeze and ongoing rent controls, this government is abandoning the thousands of renters who are having to choose between putting food on the table or a roof over their heads. If this government wants to help renters, it should implement a two-year freeze on rents followed by a permanent cap on rent increases, which has wide public support. This is not a new idea; many places around the world have forms of rent control. (Time expired)