Lee Rhiannon NSW, Australian Greens
4:30 pm
I, and also on behalf of Senator Cameron, move:
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the latest census data indicates that there has been a 13 per cent rise in homelessness since 2011,
(ii) a well-functioning social housing system that is affordable for tenants is important in reducing homelessness,
(iii) charging tenants a proportion of income as rent, as opposed to market rent, has proved an effective way to ensure affordability, and
(iv) the Productivity Commission's report no. 85, Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services: Reforms to Human Services, recommends state and territory governments charge new social housing tenant market rents; and
(b) calls on the Turnbull Government to reject the recommendation that state and territory governments charge social housing tenants market rates.
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
4:31 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
This is a matter for the state and territory governments. There are no plans to introduce market rents for public housing. The Commonwealth is establishing a new $1.5 billion a year National Housing and Homelessness Agreement to commence on 1 July 2018.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
The question is that motion 847, as moved by Senator Rhiannon and standing in the names of Senator Rhiannon and Senator Cameron, be agreed to.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
4:35 pm
I just remind senators that, once the count has begun, you need to remain in the seat that you're in.