The Greens are questioning the status of a new bill that would give pet owners greater access to rental properties, despite government assurances that it is still in the works.
Greens Housing spokesperson Vica Bayley claims the bill, introduced by the Liberals in June, has been “gathering dust” in parliament since its tabling.
“The Liberals went to the election promising legislative reform to give pet owners better access to rental properties,” Bayley said.
“We’re worried by the delays we’re seeing to pets-in-rentals reforms and we’re also seeing the government continue its reluctance to improve renter’s rights in other key areas.”
“It looks like renters only mattered to the Liberals when they wanted their votes at the election.”
But Minister Eric Abetz said this was far from the case and that the bill was still undergoing consultation.
“With that bill there is now further consultation taking place with stakeholders, as you would expect with a major reform of this nature,” he said.
“[We] want to get it absolutely right and so getting it right is part and parcel of the government’s approach.”
Bayley also criticised the government for not banning no-cause evictions, a practice he said was banned in most mainland states.
He said the Greens would instead look to implement a bill with stronger rental protections if the Liberals won’t.
“This is a balance-of-power parliament and there is a real possibility of getting outcomes for renters even without the government’s support,” he said.
