31 October 2025
Two Green bills to tackle the housing crisis were defeated in the Upper House yesterday afternoon with Labor and the Liberals voting to kill off increased requirements for social housing and changes to building inspection reports, while a committee report has recommended that a minimum rental standards bill not succeed, despite overwhelming evidence in favour.
Key facts:
- The Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Tenancy Bill would set standards on rental properties, including the requirement that rental homes have flyscreens, be fitted with an efficient heater and cooler that is fixed and in good working order, and for landlords to disclose the energy efficiency of their home to potential tenants. The bill was referred to a Select Committee and although an overwhelming number of submissions to the inquiry were in support of the bill, the Labor and Liberal dominated Committee has recommended that the bill not proceed.
- The Planning, Development and Infrastructure (Affordable Housing) Amendment Bill would require developments of 20 dwellings or more anywhere in South Australia to include at least 30% social housing of which 10% must be affordable to buy, 10% must be affordable rental accommodation, and 10% must be community or public housing.
- The Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) (Building Inspections) Amendment Bill would require vendors to commission a building inspection report, rather than the potential purchaser, saving purchasers hundreds of dollars.
“Once again, Labor and the Liberals have delivered a slap in the face to South Australian renters and those who are struggling to get into the housing market,” said Greens MLC Robert Simms.
“It’s embarrassing that it seems that the Government would rather weaken planning laws to remove the requirement for private bathrooms and kitchens in new builds, than mandate basic minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties. Fly screens and working air conditioners should be a no brainer but sadly it’s a bridge too far for Labor and the Liberals. I’ll be bringing the Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Tenancy Bill to a vote on 12 November, and I hope that the major parties change their position.”
“The government loves to give developers a free kick here in SA. Relaxing planning rules isn’t the answer to the housing crisis. We should be increasing the requirement for new social housing in new developments. My Affordable Housing Amendment Bill would have increased the requirements to 30%. Sadly, it was opposed by the Labor and Liberal parties.”