Thursday, 30 May 2024

Eastern Victoria Region

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:55): (910) My question is for the Minister for Housing. Rental providers are leaving Victoria at a record rate. What incentives will you advocate for to keep rental providers in Victoria? Since Labor were elected, they have introduced 55 new or increased taxes, including around 30of those being on property and land, all in the midst of a housing crisis. What Labor cannot seem to understand is that when they tax things, they get more expensive, and ultimately it is vulnerable Victorians that are hardest hit. In this case it is Victorians who are at risk of homelessness. My constituent in Pakenham has provided a rental property for the same tenant for 10 years. It is their home. But due to increased taxes and costs, they are forced to sell. A real estate agent in my area said that for every four homes on the rental market that are sold, only one returns to the market. This is something Labor should address as a matter of urgency.

The PRESIDENT: Dr Heath, I am led to believe that it might be better to direct it to the Minister for Consumer Affairs.

Renee HEATH: That is fine.

The PRESIDENT: And if I am wrong, you can blame me.