4 May 2023
A Greens bill to cap rent prices in South Australia has been defeated in the state’s Upper House, with no other party voting in support.
Under the bill introduced by Greens Housing Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC rent increases would have been capped at the rate of CPI and restricted to just once in a 24 month period.
“The defeat of this bill is a slap in the face to SA renters who are struggling to deal with skyrocketing prices,” said Robert Simms MLC.
“The median rent in South Australia rose by 18% from December 2020 to December 2022, and more South Australians are experiencing housing stress than ever before.[1] Rather than backing the Greens’ push to restrict rent increases, Labor and the Liberals are just leaving vulnerable people at the mercy of the housing market.”
“So far, the Government has only proposed a partial ban on rent bidding. While this is of course welcome, it’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the overhaul of our Residential Tenancies Act that is required. Having voted with the Liberals to strike down this Greens bill, they must now come to the Parliament with their own plan manage skyrocketing prices. SA renters are desperately crying out for solutions. It’s time for the Government to act,” said Mr Simms.