Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Paul HAMER (Box Hill) (14:42): (1461) My question is for the Minister for Consumer Affairs. When will the government’s laws to stamp out illegal underquoting be introduced into the Parliament? Over recent years many residents in the Box Hill electorate have told me of the battle they face trying to bid on a home of their own. They turn up to auctions in good faith. They do their research, arrange their pre-approval and get their deposit in order, only to have the rug pulled out from under them when the property sells for way more than what was advertised. An investigation by the Age earlier this year showed that in Blackburn North and Blackburn South at least eight in every 10 properties sold above the top end of the price guide quoted by agents. Under the proposed changes announced by the minister last month real estate agents will be required to publish the actual reserve price at least seven days before auction day or the fixed day of sale. This contrasts with the current situation where vendors can set a reserve or asking price as late as auction day and at a level higher than advertised. For those buyers looking to get into the property market, these changes will make the system fairer and more transparent. I look forward to the minister’s reply.