Get Involved - Parliament

Housing Supply

Published on: May 2024

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-140851

Housing Supply

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (18:38:55):

There is a crisis that is silently gripping the lives of thousands of individuals and families across New South Wales, and that is the rental crisis. We know that renting is often the best choice for individuals and families based on their different needs and circumstances, and when the great Australian dream of owning your own home is out of reach, renting should be a safe harbour and a place of stability and security. However, we know that for many that is simply not the case. As a renter myself, I understand and have felt firsthand the fear and uncertainty that can come with renting. In my local community, more than 46 per cent of people are renters, so it is always right that I speak up on their behalf on this crucial issue. I have sought to champion this issue during my time as an MP in this place, and I was proud to take a suite of measures to the last election to ease the burden on renters on the North Shore and across New South Wales.

A bill introduced by the member for Newtown to address the issue of ending no-grounds evictions is currently before the Parliament. Both the Liberal‑Nationals Coalition and the Labor Party took ending no-grounds evictions to the last State election. It should not be a partisan issue, and there is scope to achieve consensus. Like me, the member for Newtown and a few others in this place are staunch advocates for renters. I have been listening to debate on that bill and considering how it can be improved or what further legislation can be brought before the House to achieve those crucial reforms. I am not alone in this. My team has the youngest cohort of MPs in the history of this Parliament, and age, as we know, is a key demographic factor in home ownership and renting. Together, we are all facing the squeeze between the desire to own a home and renting one, and I am proud to join my colleagues in advocating for renters in this place. Unfortunately, not everybody in this place has demonstrated the will to resolve the issue.

Let us first confront the stark reality of rental affordability. The cost of renting in New South Wales has skyrocketed in recent years, and given the cost-of-living crisis, too many individuals and families are forced to spend a significant portion of their income on rent. In my local community the average median weekly rent change in 2023 was a 15 per cent increase, which reflects my own experience as a renter. Across my local community, housing stress—typically described as expending 30 per cent or more of a household budget on rent—is playing a significant role. Based on the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, far too many people in my community—more than 27 per cent—are experiencing housing stress. We hear too many stories day in and day out of tenants being evicted by landlords with no grounds, leaving many stranded and without somewhere to live.

We know that no-grounds evictions disproportionately impact vulnerable groups such as low-income renters, seniors, people with disabilities and single parents—people who may already face barriers to accessing affordable housing. We also know that those attempting to leave situations of domestic and family violence often delay leaving or do not leave, and we know, at the moment, how crucial it is that we find a safe place for them to live. I note that Domestic Violence NSW, the Women's Legal Service and Lucy's Project have jointly written to the Premier, the Treasurer and the Minister urging them to move on the no-grounds evictions reforms. Despite widespread recognition of the need to address the issue, the Minns Labor Government has thus far failed to deliver on those reforms. Members opposite seem to be sitting idle, regardless of all their rhetoric on wanting to help renters in this State. This Government continues to drag its feet on progressing key areas of rental reform, including its commitments to prohibit no-grounds evictions, to establish a portable rental bond scheme and to make it easier to have pets in rentals—and let's not talk about the rent bidding fiasco from last year.

This issue should not be viewed as a battle between landlords and tenants. Landlords do and will play an important role in solving the rental crisis, but I am concerned that certain contributions in this place have not been constructive in solving the challenge and do not meet community expectations. Overall, there has been a lack of progress from all the major parties in this place despite the rhetoric and promises. Given this, I am strongly considering any options available to me to ensure that the issue is front and centre and considered urgently in this place. I know we have a bill before the Parliament for consideration, but we cannot shy away from the fact that a year after the Minns Labor Government was sworn in it has objectively failed the people of New South Wales on this issue.

Anyone who shares my position on this has my support. This should not be a partisan issue, but we need bold and decisive action to address this crisis and ensure that all renters in New South Wales can live with dignity, security and peace of mind. I reiterate my commitment to those who have elected me, who work hard every day, who aspire to and seek opportunities but who are struggling with economic challenges. I will continue to champion this issue for them and people across New South Wales, because every person deserves a place to call home.

Ms JANELLE SAFFIN (Lismore) (18:44:01):

I say to the member for North Shore that members on this side of the House are not sitting idle. There is a commitment from a lot of members to address the housing crisis, which is many years old. I do not want to sledge across the Chamber, and I did not do so in my private member's statement, but the fact is the Minns Government is moving on the housing crisis. It cannot be fixed overnight. After 12 years, pets, rent bidding, the cost of rent and the lack of stock are being moved on, whereas under the previous Government a lot of housing stock was sold off. It also did not do the hard yards to address housing density. I say to the member for North Shore that I do not doubt her sincerity to want to move on this issue because of the dire crisis, but the Minns Labor Government is clearly moving on housing.