It was a somewhat disappointing outcome last week after the Coalition chose to support the Greens motion to defer the three housing bills until 16 October in order, as phrased by the Greens, ‘to allow time for National Cabinet to progress reforms to strengthen renters’ rights, as advised in the Prime Minister’s press release of 28 April 2023, including reforms to limit rent increases’.
Later in the week the Greens and Coalition combined forces to set up a Senate Inquiry into the ‘worsening rental crisis in Australia’. The Inquiry will be carried out by the standing committee on community affairs, chaired by Senator Rice. The committee representation is one Green, three Coalition and two ALP.
The Terms of Reference are broad ranging, covering supply and demand issues as well as renters’ rights. Submissions are due by 28 July. An interim report will be prepared by ‘23 September 2023 to aid in the deliberations of the National Cabinet on renters’ rights’. A final report will be presented by 28 November 2023.
Despite the disappointment, a strong consistent message was delivered in our Monday 19 June press conference held with Homelessness Australia, the Property Council, National Shelter, NATSIHA, Industry Super Australia and the Everybody’s Home Campaign. Senator Pocock, Senator Tyrell and Allegra Spender MP joined us to support our call for the bills to be passed.
At the press conference we acknowledged that the Housing Australia Future Fund will not make up for past inaction but that through the hard work of cross bench and Greens MPs, Senators and our organisations’ advocacy, critical improvements had been made to the way in which the Fund would operate. Not least that the annual funding is now a floor not a ceiling.
The other bills establishing the national housing agency and an independent housing supply and affordability council would put in place the policy architecture that has been missing at the Commonwealth. On top of this is a Housing Accord – an agreement between governments, industry super to drive up house building including more affordable homes.
And a National Housing and Homeless Plan with longer term goals will provide the platform to argue for much more ambition on housing including an ongoing program of social and affordable housing.
Part of our disappointment is that there are projects ready to go that could make a real difference to households in rental stress. Our press conference delegation included Charles Northcote from BlueCHP who helpfully explained the consequences of delaying the bills to October. Our hope is that negotiations continue over the winter break that enable the bills to be passed during the next sitting week.