Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

Expressed concerns about the bill's impact on the rental market while supporting domestic violence protections.

As Minister for Communities and Housing, introduced the bill and moved the second reading, citing the tragic death of baby Isabella Diefenbach as justification for minimum housing standards. Argued the bill finds the right balance between tenant protections and landlord rights.

“This bill proposes changes to ensure that rental accommodation is safe, secure and functional, as well as supporting renters to enforce their tenancy rights to repairs and maintenance.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Supported the bill and its reforms to protect renters and introduce minimum housing standards.

Said the LNP would not oppose the bill but would move amendments on pets and periodic tenancy agreements, arguing those provisions do not strike the right balance and risk driving landlords out of the rental market.

“The LNP believes that there is a number of changes in this legislation that are positive, including the amendments pertaining to domestic violence issues, and we wholeheartedly support them.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Raised concerns about the bill's impact on rental supply in regional Queensland.

Rose to support the bill, commending the minister's leadership on rental law reforms.

“Whilst I rise to support the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021, I begin by taking a moment to reflect on the contribution made by the member for Everton.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Expressed concerns about the rental market impact while supporting some elements of the bill.

Expressed concerns about the bill's impact on the rental market, particularly the pets and periodic tenancy provisions, while supporting amendments to domestic violence protections.

In her ministerial reply, defended the bill's balance between tenant and landlord rights, addressed concerns about retirement village provisions, and rejected opposition and Greens amendments.

“The Queensland government will work with relevant government and sector partners to raise awareness and provide education about the stage 1 rental law reforms to ensure these stakeholders are supported to prepare for reform implementation.”— 2021-10-14View Hansard

Supported the bill, speaking to the housing challenges faced by remote and regional communities in her electorate.

Raised concerns about the bill's potential impact on rental supply and supported the LNP amendments on pets and periodic tenancies.

Spoke in support of the bill, highlighting the importance of safe rental housing standards.

Supported the bill and its provisions for minimum housing standards and tenant protections.

Raised concerns about the bill's impact on rental supply and supported the LNP's proposed amendments.

Raised concerns about the impact of the bill on already tight rental markets in regional Queensland, noting significant pressure on rental availability in the Mackay and Whitsunday areas.

“Today on realestate.com.au in the Cannonvale and Airlie Beach area there are only 23 properties for rent.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Raised concerns about particular provisions of the bill while acknowledging positive elements.

Acknowledged the bill contains sensible amendments welcomed by the LNP, particularly on minimum housing standards, but criticised the pets and periodic tenancy provisions as unbalanced and warned of unintended consequences for the rental market.

“For the most part, the bill contains sensible amendments which are welcomed and supported by the LNP, but sadly the reform does not address our current housing crisis.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Acknowledged the need to balance tenant and landlord rights but warned that getting the balance wrong could worsen rental availability, particularly in areas like his electorate with minimal social housing.

“If you get that wrong, you very quickly will create a far bigger issue than what we are seeing unfold here in the state of Queensland already.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Pleased the bill includes positive changes for domestic violence victims but criticised the lease termination changes as poorly conceived and unbalanced, arguing they scared mum-and-dad investors into selling or switching to Airbnb.

“While the bill may have some good intentions in its preparation, in reality all that it has done is further damage the already fragile rental market in Queensland.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Supported the LNP's proposed amendments and warned that the bill would deliver a fundamental shift in the tenant-landlord relationship, noting you cannot legislate for goodwill alone.

“The passing of this legislation will deliver a fundamental shift and reframing of the relationship and interaction between renters and lessors.”— 2021-10-13View Hansard

Raised concerns about the bill's impact on the rental market, particularly in regional areas, and criticised the government's underinvestment in social housing.

Spoke about the impact of mandatory buyback provisions on freehold retirement villages, citing the case of Cooloola Waters in Tin Can Bay that was forced into liquidation.