CALL FOR FEEDBACK ON REVIEW OF ACCOMMODATION ACT

The Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology has called for public feedback on a policy review paper released by the Residential Tenancy Authority on the Residential Services (Accommodation) Act 2002.

“This is the first review of the Accommodation Act since it started in August 2002,” said Mr Schwarten.

“The Act set out the rights and responsibilities of residents and service providers of boarding houses, aged rental and supported accommodation as well as independently operated off-campus student accommodation.

“One of the proposals under consideration is the extension of tenancy laws to include government-funded, employer provided and on-campus student room-only style accommodations.

“This proposed amendment would cover more Queenslanders living in room-only style accommodation. With no tenancy law protections or processes to follow, many are currently in a legal ‘no man’s land’.

Mr Schwarten said the review aimed to enhance existing provisions in the Act to ensure a better balance of rights and responsibilities for room-only style accommodation.

The first stage of the review was a statewide call for submissions in early 2005, where nearly 70 submissions were received from residents, service providers, advocates and other agencies.

The RTA is encouraging people to provide feedback on the Policy Review Paper for the Accommodation Act.

Submissions are required by close of business on 15 December 2006. Copies of the review paper are available at www.rta.qld.gov.au or by telephoning 1300 366 311.

Media contact: Mr Schwartens office on (07) 32371184 or the RTA on (07) 3361 3656