Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to add Senator Doug Cameron's name to this motion.

Leave granted.

I, and also on behalf of Senator Cameron, move:

That the Senate:

(a) notes that:

  (i) according to the Anglicare Australia 2018 Rental Affordability Snapshot, only 6 per cent of surveyed rental properties nationwide were affordable and appropriate for households on government income support payments,

  (ii) the same research showed that for households on the minimum wage only 28 per cent of surveyed rental properties nationwide were suitable, and

  (iii) the 2016 Census data revealed that more than 116 000 people were experiencing homelessness on Census night; and

(b) calls on the Government to:

  (i) provide real support for people who are homeless by increasing the real level of funding for homelessness services and social housing, and

  (ii) work with the states, territories and relevant non-government organisations to set national minimum tenancy standards to ensure that tenants' rights are protected in relation to matters including fairer processes around lease terminations and evictions, fair standards to govern the amounts by which rents can be increased, and provide for long-term residential leases that enable households the full enjoyment of a secure home.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government provides around $6 billion per year to support affordable housing and address homelessness. This includes around $4.4 billion per year for rent assistance and $1.4 billion through the National Affordable Housing Agreement and the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness. Tenancy standards are a matter for states and territories.

Question agreed to.