Renting reform provides roadmap to save lives and curb domestic violence

The Palaszczuk Government has announced its plans to ensure safety and fairness in the Queensland rental market, after a huge response to community consultation.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the response to consultation had been massive.

“It’s a sign of how strongly the community feels about renting that we’ve seen over 135,000 responses to our request for feedback through Open Doors to Renting Reform,” Minister de Brenni said.

“Through that process, we’ve identified three key areas for reform:

• Safety and security;
• Protection against domestic violence; and
• Protections if renting with pets

“We have considered evidence of some truly harrowing stories of safety issues in rental properties.”

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said that the Palaszczuk Government was looking at a comprehensive makeover of tenancy laws that will set the rules that provide certainty for tenants, landlords and property managers.

“Across Queensland, more than one in every three households rent, but in some areas like the inner city, that figure rises to three in every five,” Ms Trad said.

“Tenants in my community and across Queensland are entitled to feel safe in their home, regardless of whether they own or rent.

“At the same time, we know that rental property owners need safeguards to protect their investment that provides much needed housing for an increasing number of Queenslanders.”

Minister de Brenni said the experience of Lyn and Ken Diefenbach who have advocated for prescribed minimum housing standards after the tragic death of their granddaughter Bella, was a driving factor for reforms to Queensland’s legislation.

“No parent should have to lose their child,” Minister de Brenni said.

“Regardless of where you live, every Queenslander deserves a safe, secure and sustainable place to call home.

“The Palaszczuk Government will deliver lifesaving reforms that see minimum standards adhered to, that keep Queenslanders safe, healthy and happy in their homes.”

Mr de Brenni announced that the Palaszczuk Government was releasing a roadmap detailing its staged approach to ensure that the proposed laws are fair for everyone.

The Palaszczuk Government will be seeking input into a Regulatory Impact Statement over the next 6 weeks.

Go to: www.qld.gov.au/rentinginqld  to read the Better Renting Future Reform Roadmap to have your say on the proposed reforms.

ENDS

Media contact:

Deputy Premier’s Office:                 Geoff Breusch           0417 272 875

Minister de Brenni’s Office:            Rosie Gilbert            0466 834 330