The Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement, announced on Monday 2 November, included measures to enact minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties and end ‘no cause’ evictions. 

Renting advocacy group Better Renting has welcomed the plans for minimum standards. Executive director Joel Dignam said it would make a positive difference, particularly for those on low incomes.

“Minimum standards will help people who rent to stay healthier and to stay on top of their household budget, while also reducing climate pollution.”

Mr Dignam said plans in the agreement to end ‘no cause’ evictions was “long overdue”.

As well, the agreement outlines a commitment to improve and grow social housing and improve housing affordability, as well as to simplify the ACT’s planning system.

The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) also welcomed the announcement of the agreement and the commitment for additional public housing units, but CEO Emma Campbell said “more ambitious targets” needed to be set to address Canberra’s housing crisis.

Dr Campbell said “community housing needs to be a strong focus if we are to meet the current shortfall of 3,000 social houses in the ACT”.

“We also call on the new government to enact a Right to Housing in the ACT Human Rights Act.”

Read more on the Parliamentary Agreement at canberraweekly.com.au