Wednesday, 27 November 2024

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (09:34): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, the Estate Agents Act 1980, the Owners Corporations Act 2006, the Conveyancers Act 2006, the Sale of Land Act 1962, the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

 Tim McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (09:34): I request a brief explanation of the bill.

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (09:34): This bill introduces several of the housing reforms outlined in the housing statement, including additional reforms to expand protections for renters to have a safe and fair rental market. Amongst a number of reforms, the bill will ban no-cause evictions and rental bidding; upskill housing industry professionals, such as real estate agents, through mandatory continuing professional development training; introduce mandatory smoke alarm safety checks for all rental properties; and enhance the rent review process to ensure excessive rent increases are dealt with fairly. The bill will also introduce tougher penalties for real estate agents who break the law.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.