Jenny Leong asks Dominic Perrottet whether his government will end no grounds evictions

Ms JENNY LEONG (Newtown) (15:29): For the record, The Greens support ratios.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Ms JENNY LEONG: I direct my question to the Premier. Given we know rents are rising at a rapid rate, and that people are facing unfair evictions and having their leases terminated for no reason, will the Government revisit ending no grounds evictions in this State?

Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET (Epping—Premier) (15:29): I thank the member for Newtown for her question and her engagement, particularly during the pandemic where we worked together in providing support for tenants during that very difficult time when we saw the unemployment rate in our State increase substantially. We had hundreds of thousands of people out of work and I appreciate the constructive engagement the member had with me in my former role as Treasurer when we made significant changes. But, Mr Speaker, as you would know, the Government will always do what we can to support our people. The member for Newtown should also know that this is a Liberal Government, not a Greens socialist one. We believe in the right for people to own property and do what they like with it. I thought the member for Newtown would be interested in theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights, to which we are a signatory. Article 17 states:

1.Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

2.No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

That is not me saying it. That is not the Liberals and The Nationals saying it. That is theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights. Having said that, in response to the question, striking a balance between the needs and rights of tenants and landlords is a delicate one. I appreciate that. That is why the Liberals and The Nationals delivered significant reforms to New South Wales tenancy legislation in 2020, including minimum "fit for habitation" standards for rental properties. They include structural soundness; waterproof ceilings, roofs and windows; adequate lighting; ventilation; plumbing and drainage' and electricity or gas supply with adequate outlets.

Ms Yasmin Catley: That is all well and good, but not when you get kicked out of your home.

Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: No. That is important. So, you are in favour of no-fault evictions as well, are you?

Ms Yasmin Catley: Yes, I am.

Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: Okay. Interesting. New policy. Thank you.

Ms Yasmin Catley: If you had read my policy last time, you would have seen it.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Swansea will come to order.

Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: So, we can say that the Liberals and Nationals will not be taking the same approach as the socialist approach of Labor and The Greens. I appreciate that new policy announcement from the floor of the Chamber today.

Ms Yasmin Catley: It's not new. We've said it before, Dom. It's not new.

Ms Jenny Aitchison: Actually, if you listen to renters and the sector, that's what they'll say.

Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: That's okay. That's good. We believe that more regulation and more red tape does not improve more housing for people. Cutting red tape, cutting regulation and driving supply provides opportunity which creates investment and creates development, and that provides homes for people to get access to adequate housing. That is the Liberals and The Nationals way. It is very interesting today to hear the new policy from The Greens. I say to the member for Newtown: I appreciate your concerns.

The SPEAKER: I call the member for The Entrance to order for the first time.

Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: I disagree with your perspective. I understand where the member is coming from. I learned today that Labor and The Greens are on a unity ticket when it comes to no fault evictions—very, very interesting.