Page 619 - Week 02 - Thursday, 21 February 2019
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Leave granted.
MR RAMSAY: I move amendment No 1 circulated in my name and table a supplementary explanatory statement to the amendment [see schedule 2 at page 637].
The bill proposes amendments to make it easier for tenants to make special modifications to rental properties. These include minor modifications and modifications made to improve safety and energy efficiency.
The government consulted the Tenants Union ACT in the development of this bill, and the Tenants Union raised some concerns about clause 13 of the bill, referring to swimming pool fencing as an example of a special modification relating to safety. The Tenants Union is concerned that this example might give the impression that tenants, rather than lessors, are responsible for making sure that a swimming pool has appropriate fencing. The proposed amendment removes swimming pool fencing from the list of examples.
We propose this amendment to respond to the Tenants Union’s concerns and make sure that the bill is not inadvertently seen to place additional obligations on tenants. This amendment does not alter the substance of the bill.
MR PARTON (Brindabella) (3.55): It gives me great pleasure to be on the same page as my friend Mr Ramsay on this. This is very much a commonsense amendment, and we support it wholeheartedly.
MS LE COUTEUR (Murrumbidgee) (3.55): The Greens also support it. I wish to move amendment No 2 circulated in my name.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Ms Le Couteur, we have to get through Mr Ramsay’s amendment first.
MS LE COUTEUR: I thought I had to do this before it was all finalised.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Ms Le Couteur, due to the technical nature of the two amendments being consequential, Mr Ramsay’s amendment, which has been moved first, takes precedence, and you are unable to move your amendment No 2.
MS LE COUTEUR: I am unable to move amendment No 2 because—
Mr Wall: We have to deal with one before we can do the other.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: My understanding is that amendment No 2 cannot be moved.
MS LE COUTEUR: Can I seek leave to move my amendment?
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