Eliminating family violence is a top priority for the majority Hodgman Liberal Government.
I am proud to announce that the Residential Tenancy Amendment Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament today, which will allow a Court to terminate a residential tenancy agreement without penalty when making a Family Violence Order.
Under the current legislation, victims of family violence are often forced to face the cost and burden of taking on a lease alone. The changes the Government has made to the legislation has the effect that a Court may make an order to terminate the residential tenancy agreement, to enable a victim of family violence to terminate their tenancy agreement without penalty.
A further amendment added to the Bill broadens the options available to the Court, and provides greater flexibility in determining the most appropriate outcome for the particular circumstances in each case.
The Bill also provides additional protection to other vulnerable tenants, including those accessing social housing or under National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The Hodgman Liberal Government remains committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable in our community have access to safe and affordable housing, and I am proud of the additional support that this Bill will provide.
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