Thursday, 17 October 2024

Ministers statements: rental reform

Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (14:18): The Allan Labor government has so far delivered more than 130 reforms to protect and enhance rights for Victorian renters, and excitingly there is still more to come. There is no other state in Australia with stronger rental protections than right here in Victoria. Our reforms mean that renters are able to keep pets, to have urgent repairs done and to make minor modifications, including being able to put up a picture hook – small, but important. We have introduced landmark minimal rental standards, and we have set up a renting task force to crack down on dodgy rental providers. We have provided $8 million in support for renters through our rental stress support package, quadrupling our original commitment. Our landmark housing statement is continuing to improve rental standards, reducing energy bills and giving renters a safe and comfortable place to call home.

Those opposite could not care less about renters and strengthening their rights. They have consistently voted against fairness, and the last time those opposite were in government they cut hundreds of millions of dollars from housing and homelessness services. While they are focused on building up their personal portfolios and Airbnb portfolios –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, may I again refer you to page 160 of Rulings from the Chair and Speaker Brooks’s ruling that ministers statements are not an opportunity to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: I am so grateful to former Speaker Brooks for his rulings from the Chair. Minister, it is not an opportunity to attack the opposition.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: While those opposite are very much focused on their personal property portfolios and their Airbnb portfolios, we will continue to focus on what matters to Victorians.

Members interjecting.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: There are plenty of property barons on that side of the chamber, let me tell you – looking at you, member for Croydon.

Mary-Anne Thomas: On a point of order, Speaker, I hope the Manager of Opposition Business has jumped up to defend the right of the minister to be heard in silence.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Bulleen, remember what I said about respect.

James Newbury: On a different point of order, Speaker, the ruling from Speaker Brooks I am sure extended to protections of the Prime Minister from attacks from this Victorian minister.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: The only thing that Victorians can be sure of is that, when it comes to those opposite, they cannot be trusted. We are focused on Victorians, on giving them a great place to live, on breathing life into aspiration. Those opposite are only focused on themselves. They will never fight for Victorians; they will only ever fight each other.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Bulleen, you can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Bulleen withdrew from chamber.

The SPEAKER: I invite members not to be the timekeeper. I am the timekeeper.