The Attorney General has failed to commit to a deadline for declaring the amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 which created the strongest minimum standards in Australia for tenants.
"The amendments passed through the parliament nearly a year ago, yet the Minister is stalling on having the legislation proclaimed and unnecessarily delaying much needed protection for tenants," said Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim MP.
"The Attorney General could not even give a timeline for introducing any amendments, and in fact could not explain whether she intends to amend the Act or when she will proclaim the minimum standards."
"The Greens also have concerns that the Attorney has not considered the implications for tenants of the publication of images that may make it more likely that their property will be targeted by thieves."
"It's well beyond time that the Attorney General got off her hands and introduced these much needed minimum standards. She needs to remember that these are intended to benefit tenants, not the real estate industry," Mr McKim said.