Wednesday, 10 September 2025

Ministers statements: rental reform

Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Local Government) (14:32): The Allan Labor government is committed to making renting fairer and more affordable. While those opposite are walking out on their responsibilities, our government is getting on and working for renters. I am pleased today to provide an update on the progress of our recent rental reforms passed earlier this year through the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024, a bill that was shamefully opposed by those opposite.

November will see the commencement of the notice periods for rent increases and evictions extended from 60 to 90 days, giving renters more certainty to plan for the future. While renters will now have a 90-day notice period, there is one thing that we can be certain of, and that is that the member for Nepean will not be giving the Leader of the Opposition 90 days notice before his eviction. Regulations will also commence shortly to expand the range of factors to be considered by Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT when assessing unfair rent increases. Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria has now been operating for nearly three months, and it is achieving real results, seeing thousands of cases resolved for free in weeks, not months. Our 150th rental reform will be a portable rental bond scheme, commencing early next year. No longer will renters have to be out of pocket for two bonds when they are moving homes, saving them on average $2500. That is a real cost-of-living measure. While those opposite are so busy dancing with the hard right that they are not focused on what matters most, for a cohesive community it is fundamental –

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, for the fulsomeness of information and for the minister to be factual, how much more are renters going to pay in tax with the emergency services tax? I would ask you to ask the minister to stop attacking the opposition.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Nick STAIKOS: Not your best work, Bridget. For a cohesive community it is fundamental –

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister will resume his seat. I am sitting the minister down. That is not an appropriate way to address other members of Parliament.