Page 3106 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 12 September 1990
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can establish that the tenant has been in breach of payment of rent or has caused damage to the property. The condition report establishes a firm basis for determining whether there has been damage to the property, and, if a dispute persists on this, the board itself can operate to arbitrate proceedings. This is a long overdue reform which this Territory has needed for many years. It is a reform which has been introduced in most States of Australia. Western Australia is the only State which seems to be remiss in this area - and the Northern Territory.
This Bill does not purport to be the greatest Bill ever introduced. As Ms Follett said, we in opposition have limited resources. But this Bill does provide a sound foundation for legislation in this chamber. When the Attorney examines it in a quieter moment rather than in the heat of attempting to gag debate on it, he will notice it has a particular similarity with the New South Wales legislation. That is done deliberately, as that is legislation which works and is effective and provides, we believe, a satisfactory model. We have simplified the New South Wales legislation considerably, doing away with a rather complex appellate mechanism and leaving disputes to be arbitrated by the board.
Mr Speaker, tenants in the Australian Capital Territory who have been long calling for this legislation will be confident that Labor at least is sticking to its promises and is introducing this legislation. We have delayed somewhat in introducing this, although we have long indicated that we intended to do so. In a press release in July the Attorney indicated that action would be forthcoming on a rental bonds board. In the budget documents yesterday we see that now it will be some time in the New Year. Mr Speaker, if we have to wait for the Government to introduce these important reforms, we will be waiting, waiting and waiting. It is the position of the Opposition that we will implement our promises. We will produce legislation. We will table it in this parliament for debate. We are happy to accept amendments and improvements on our legislation. We are acting in the proper tradition of responsible legislators. I commend the Bill to the house.
Debate (on motion by Mr Moore) adjourned.
LAKES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990
MS FOLLETT (Leader of the Opposition) (11.13): I present the Lakes (Amendment) Bill 1990. I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
I am pleased indeed to present the Lakes (Amendment) Bill 1990. It is not a major or contentious piece of legislation. It is a matter, though, which the Canberra
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