Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Estate Agents, Residential Tenancies and Other Acts Amendment (Funding) Bill 2024

Introduction and first reading

Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (12:07): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 in relation to funding dispute resolution and advocacy services, to amend the Estate Agents Act 1980 in relation to funding dispute resolution and advocacy services and to abolish the Estate Agents Council, to amend the Business Licensing Authority Act 1998 to facilitate closure of the Sex Work Regulation Fund, to amend the Public Records Act 1973 to abolish the Public Records Advisory Council and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

Tim McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (12:07): I request a full explanation of the bill.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (12:08): The bill will contemporise the approved uses of the Victorian Property Fund and the Residential Tenancies Fund to allow for funding of alternative dispute resolution services and other support for consumers under the acts. It will also discontinue the Estate Agents Council and the Public Records Advisory Council to allow for more flexible and contemporary forums to consult with stakeholders. Finally, it will make amendments to enact administrative changes, including closure of the Sex Work Regulation Fund and updating instances of gendered language to non-gendered language.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.