Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Local Government) (15:40): As of last week landmark changes to support renters came into effect, but unfortunately these reforms did not receive bipartisan support. Rental bidding was banned – no more secret auctions where renters are pressured to outbid each other above the advertised price. The opposition voted no. Homes must meet minimum standards before they are advertised. The opposition voted no. And no longer can renters be evicted without cause. We know that the new Leader of the Opposition is now in the eviction seat, and judging from the past record on that side of the house she will never know when the ejection button is about to be pushed. But that cannot –

Ellen Sandell: On a point of order, Speaker, I believe the minister is misleading the house. He said they did not receive bipartisan support. The dictionary would show that means two parties supported them. Two parties did support the legislation.

Nick STAIKOS: I kind of forgot about them. Now renters must receive 90 days notice for both rent increases and certain notices to vacate. And how do we think the opposition voted on this one? They voted no. And next year we will roll out a standard rental application form, a ban on junk fees for applications and rent payments and the new portable rental bond scheme. This is what a government with a plan for renters looks like: over 150 rental reforms and stronger enforcement – real action that cements Victoria as the best state in the nation for renters to find a home. However, those opposite offer something very different. They offer cuts, complaints and cluelessness. Their housing policy –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are not an opportunity for the minister to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: The minister will come back to his ministers statement.

Nick STAIKOS: Make no mistake, the cuts commission proposed by those opposite would hollow out enforcement –

The SPEAKER: Minister, I have asked you to resume your ministers statement. I ask you to stop attacking the opposition.

Nick STAIKOS: Nearly a third of Victorians are renters, and they know which side of the house is on their side. It is the Allan Labor government. The choice is clear: an agenda that will strip away protections and put dodgy landlords in the drivers seat or the Allan Labor government, who will ensure that renters get a decent standard of living.