30 April 2025
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (17:38): I thank all honourable members for their contribution: the Hon. Ms El Dannawi, the Hon. Jing Lee and the Hon. Michelle Lensink. I should say I am a bit perplexed by the position of the South Australian Labor Party, who in the middle of a cost-of-living federal election indicate that they do not support a bill that would deliver tangible changes to South Australian renters and assist them in reducing their power bills at a time of economic crisis. I think that is disappointing.
I have made it clear that the second reading stage is, in effect, the device that is required to enable this bill to be referred to a select committee that will examine the bill. I have given notice that I will move a contingent motion, so should this bill pass its second reading stage I will then move subsequently that it be referred to a select committee. I appreciate the support of the opposition in that regard.
As the Hon. Michelle Lensink indicated, I have given her and other members who have expressed an interest in this committee an assurance that should a committee be established we will move quickly to get it finalised. It is important, I think, that the committee wrap up by the middle of the year and certainly, should the committee be established, I will be talking to members about that. In terms of the comments made again by the Labor government, it is also important to note that this bill applies to new tenancies. Of course, these are the sorts of issues that we can tease through in any committee process, should it get off the ground.
I should also say that I am proud of the work that the Greens did with the Labor government back in 2023 to negotiate important reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act. Some of those reforms are really good, tangible changes for renters, but there is still work left to be done. In particular, the energy standards space is an area that I think has been neglected by the parliament for far too long and I am hopeful that if this committee gets support there is an opportunity for us to work together and really address that. It is an area that would deliver some real, tangible change for South Australians who are struggling at the moment and who are in the rental market but, because of the record low vacancy rate, are not in a position to be able to really assert their rights and have been given a dud deal.
Bill read a second time.
Referred to Select Committee
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (17:41): I move:
- That the bill be referred to a select committee of the Legislative Council for inquiry and report.
- That this council permits the select committee to authorise the disclosure or publication, as it sees fit, of any evidence or documents presented to the committee prior to such evidence being presented to the council.
Motion carried.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: I move:
That the select committee consist of the Hon. N.J. Centofanti, the Hon. J.M.A. Lensink, the Hon. T.T. Ngo, the Hon. F. Pangallo and the mover.
Motion carried.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: I move:
That the select committee have the power to send for persons, papers and records; to adjourn from place to place; and to report on 4 June 2025.
Motion carried.