Don’t forget, if you have a beef with anything in tenancy laws, there is an opportunity to raisie it now. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is currently consulting on a review of tenancy law . Whilst there is a discussion paper, you can still raise any issues you think important but you must do so by January 2!!
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/About-the-RTA/Legislation/Review-of-the-RTRA-Act
Tenancy law review Q#2 – Bonds
In early November, the Residential Tenancies Authority announced a ‘targeted’ review of Queensland tenancy laws and released a public Discussion Paper to which responses are due by January 2.
As we noted soon after, we’re going to ask your views about some of the topics in the Discussion paper. This is our second question and it’s about bonds.
Do you think the maximum amount of bond should be increased?
The RTA’s Discussion paper canvasses the option of increasing the maximum amount of bond allowed to be taken from tenants in general tenancies (units, apartments, houses etc). Currently the maximum bond is the equivalent of four weeks’ worth of rent.(unless the property rent is more than $700 per week and then it’s unlimited). The paper proposes allowing an additional week’s rent to be charged when the property has a pool, is fully furnished or if the tenant has pets.
What do you think? Do you think that in some situations, agents or lessors should be able to charge an additional bond? Or do you think that bonds are already enough to provide some financial protection? Do you think a ‘pet bond’ would help tenants in allowing them to have pets or have no effect?
To read the entire Discussion Paper, go to this link then click on ‘Discussion Paper’. Or read this section on page 7 & 8.
Queensland’s new Housing Minister sworn in
Reported in the Courier Mail today by Sarah Vogler
FORMER NRL referee Tim Mander was this morning sworn in as Minister for Housing and Public Works at a ceremony at Government House.
Mr Mander has now officially replaced Dr Bruce Flegg who resigned from the portfolio last weeks following “sloppy administration in his office.
His resignation came just seven months into the new government’s term.
Dr Flegg’s departure also allowed Gympie MP David Gibson to come back from the backbench to a minor role as the chair of the state development, infrastructure and industry committee.
Mirani MP Ted Malone was also this morning officially appointed Assistant Minister for emergency volunteers at the Government House ceremony.
Mr Mander will attend his first cabinet meeting today.
New Housing Minister isn’t a landlord
We’ve just looked at the Queensland paliament’s register of interests for new Housing Minister, Tim Mander, member for Everton (in Brisbane). Unlike Dr Flegg, it doesn’t look like Minister Mander has any investment properties. The following is what is recorded against his name on the Queensland parliament website. (If you want to look up other’s interests up click here to go to the register)
MANDER, Timothy Leonard (Everton)
11. Interests in real estate [7(2)(g)]
Ferny Grove, 650m2, family home, joint owner with wife
12. Liabilities over $10,000 [7(2)(h)]
Investment loan – Macquarie
13. Debentures, managed funds, or similar investments [7(2)(i)]
100F Managed Fund
14. Savings and investment accounts [7(2)(j)]
Cheque account – Macquarie; cheque account – Bendigo; savings account – NAB; savings account – Credit Union Australia
15. Gifts received valued at over $500 [7(2)(k)]
VIP annual double movie pass – The Arts Centre Gold Coast; honorary members and guest badge July 11-June 12 – Gold Coast Turf Club; Qantas Wallabies v Wales – Australian Rugby Union; Qantas Socceroos v Japan Reception – Football Federation Australia; 2012 Channel 7 Ipswich Cup VIP Function – Ipswich Turf Club; A League Grand Final Roar v Perth – Football Federation Australia; Broncos game – Broncos Football Club; Lions Box Lions v Geelong – Lions Football Club; 2012 State of Original Series Game 2 – Australia Rugby League and Board of NSW Rugby League
16. Sponsored travel or accommodation received [7(2)(l)]
Return flight to Dalby to attend races;
17. The source of any other income over $500 per annum [7(2)(m)]
Managed Fund Return (100F)
18. Other assets over $5,000 [7(2)(n)]
RAV 4 x 2, Private Life Assurance
19. Membership of any political party, trade or professional organisation; or office holder; or financial contributor over $500 per annum [7(2)(o)]
Liberal National Party; Scripture Union Qld; Interserve; World Vision; Priceless Life Centre; Arana Hills Churches of Christ
“Ministers falter on ‘open’ test”
Steve Wardill also ruminated about the openness of the govenrment in this piece in today’s Courier Mail. Click here to read the piece in which he focusses some thought on the issues surrounding ex Housing Minister Dr Bruce Flegg.
Inside a Minister’s downfall
The following is reprinted from today’s Brisbane Times, reporter Daniel Hurst.
The lobbying revelations, the 30-minute berating of a minister, and the downfall of a career … Daniel Hurst reports on the drama behind Bruce Flegg’s departure from Campbell Newman’s cabinet.
ANALYSIS
It was November 2 and Queensland Housing Minister Bruce Flegg’s chief of staff was angry about a story on lobbying.
“You journos sure know how to twist a story,” Fraser Stephen wrote, according to the email’s recipient, Dr Flegg’s former senior media adviser Graeme Hallett.
“Talk about desperation to make a tale out of nothing.”
The email was a reference to a Fairfax Media story highlighting two occasions in which Dr Flegg’s office was recorded as having lobbying contact with his son, Jonathon Flegg, who happened to be manager of government relations at private sector consulting firm Rowland.
Within two weeks, Mr Stephen was sacked as Dr Flegg’s chief of staff, Mr Hallett was dumped from his senior media adviser job, and Dr Flegg ultimately fell on his sword and resigned as a minister.
So how did a desperate and twisted tale about “nothing” set off a chain of events that provoked the Newman government’s second ministerial resignation? Click here to read the rest of the article.
Communique from the Select Council on Housing and Homelessness
To read today’s communique from the Select Council on Housing and Homelessness click here.
Commitment to new agreement to tackle homelessness at today’s Select Council on Housing and Homelessness
Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor, released the following press statement after today’s meeting of the Select Council on Housing and Homelessness.
16 November 2012
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor today congratulated his State and Territory counterparts for agreeing to an ongoing commitment to work together to tackle homelessness.
Ministers at today’s Select Council on Housing and Homelessness meeting in Brisbane agreed, subject to Cabinet processes, to enter into negotiations for a new National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.
They also agreed, subject to Cabinet processes, to work on a one-year transition partnership agreement for 2013-14 while the new long-term agreement is negotiated.
With the current partnership due to expire on 30 June 2013, the Gillard Government has committed to a further one year of funding for service delivery under the agreement, with the expectation the States and Territories will match funding.
“We look forward to States and Territories getting the agreement of their Cabinets at the earliest opportunity,” Mr O’Connor said. Continue reading
Requirement to provide tenancy advice in new National Partnership Agreement says Minister O’Connor
Last Wednesday the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor, made a speech to the National Press Club. He talks about the future of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness and commits the Federal government to funding in the new financial year when the current agreement runs out.
The Minister also says a requirement within the next Agreement will be the provision of tenancy advice. See his press release below or read his comprehensive speech delivered at the National Press Club. He discusses tenancy advice on pages 19 & 20.
GILLARD GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO CONTINUING HOMELESSNESS FUNDING
Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor today announced that the Gillard Government will approach the States and Territories to negotiate a new homelessness partnership.
Mr O’Connor said the new agreement would be based on matched funding and framed by the core principles of prevention, early intervention and breaking the cycle of homelessness.
“The Agreement should improve transparency and ensure we can measure the effectiveness of Government action,” Mr O’Connor told the National Press Club.
“To provide certainty during these negotiations for the tireless and compassionate workers in this sector, and, most importantly, for their clients, we commit today to providing our half of the funding for next financial year while we finalise a longer term agreement. Continue reading
Save Tenant Services in Qld supporters were out and about today
Tim Mander, member for Everton, announced as the new Qld Housing Minister
Here are some details about Tim Mander from the Queensland parliament website.
Mr Timothy (Tim) Mander
Electorate: Everton
Party: Liberal National Party (LNP)
Date of Election: 24 March 2012
Electorate Office Address
1st Floor, 510-520 South Pine Road
EVERTON PARK QLD 4053
Phone: (07) 3855 1133
Fax: (07) 3855 1280 Email: [email protected]
Personal
Born Brisbane 9 August 1961. Married, four children. Education – Bachelor of Ministries (BMIN). Prior to election – CEO, Scripture Union QLD; National Rugby League (NRL) Referee; Manager, Australia Post.
Official Awards
Queensland Father of the Year (2005).
Community Interests
Member, Keperra Golf Club; Member, Arana Hills Church of Christ.
Premier makes statement about (ex) Housing Minister Flegg’s resignation
Statement from Premier Campbell Newman 14 November, 2012
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman today regretfully accepted the resignation of the Housing and Public Works Minister Dr Bruce Flegg.
“The LNP was elected with a commitment to restore accountability to Government, and Dr Flegg has shown great integrity by taking ultimate responsibility for shortcomings in his Ministerial office,” the Premier said
“Dr Flegg has done an exemplary job over the past eight months to introduce significant public housing reforms and start tackling the massive public housing waiting list Labor left behind.
“He approached this difficult task with vigour and energy, and the public housing reforms he introduced will leave a lasting legacy for all Queenslanders.
“However, it has become apparent that difficulties within his office are distracting the Government from the very important task of getting Queensland back on track by growing a four pillar economy and revitalising front line services.
“It is now beyond doubt there are serious shortcomings with the governance and administration of his office.
“Dr Flegg knows I expect the highest standards from my Ministers and that there is a level for which they must perform, and as such has tendered his resignation.”
Courier Mail scathing of Minister Flegg’s situation
Premier Campbell Newman is rallying behind Bruce Flegg, the latest LNP minister to become entangled in a scandal involving their child’s role in Government circles. Picture: Kidston Liam Source: The Courier-Mail
The Courier Mail provided extensive coverage of the situation of the Housing Minister and Premier in todays on line and print newspaper. The articles below are written by Steve Wardill and Sarah Vogler. Read below or click here to go to the online version.
TROUBLE-prone minister Bruce Flegg held undeclared discussions with his lobbyist son about a client just hours before claiming his office’s register of contact with the industry was accurate.
A document detailing all contact between Jonathon Flegg and his father’s Public Works and Housing ministerial office has exposed how the pair exchanged emails about Viking Rentals, a company that promotes “dunnies with dignity”, from October 3.
Compiled by Mr Flegg Jr and released yesterday by the minister’s sacked media adviser Graeme Hallett, the document reveals the pair continued to exchange emails with the subject line “Discuss Viking Rental” until October 18. Continue reading
Housing Minister’s sacked media advisor speaks out
Queensland Housing Minister Bruce Flegg’s former senior media officer Graeme Hallett. Photo: Daniel Hurst
Below is an updated version of the Brisbane Times article covering the media conference and related concerns of sack Flegg media advisor, Graeme Hallet.A former state government adviser claims Queensland’s Housing and Public Works Minister Bruce Flegg failed to disclose multiple dealings with his son on the government’s lobbyist register, making the minister unfit to hold office.
Dr Flegg has fired back in Parliament, saying the allegations come from “a vengeful, bitter ex-staffer, who wanted to take revenge and try to harm his former employer”.
Senior media officer Graeme Hallett, who was sacked yesterday with Dr Flegg saying he had lost confidence in the veteran Liberal party staffer, released documents this morning that he claimed proved the minister was unfit for office.
He alleged Dr Flegg’s lobbyist son, Jonathon Flegg, had regular contact with his father’s office, but the minister failed to disclose those dealings.
‘‘The actual lobbyist register document that was tabled when asked for by members of the opposition is in fact grossly inaccurate, misleading and fails to indicate a number of events, if you like, or contacts, or indeed, as the Premier says, recording all encounters,’’ Mr Hallett said in a media conference this morning.
“The public, if they are to have any confidence in the fabric of democracy and institutions like this, have to know that what is provided is accurate, true and correct, and not doctored.” Continue reading
Sacked adviser claims Flegg unfit for office
Reprinted from the Brisbane Times, November 13, 2012
A former state government adviser claims Queensland’s Housing Minister Bruce Flegg failed to disclose multiple dealings with his son on the government’s lobbyist register, making the minister unfit to hold office.
Senior media officer Graeme Hallett, who was sacked yesterday with Dr Flegg saying he had lost confidence in the veteran Liberal party staffer, released documents this morning that he claimed proved the minister was unfit for office.
He alleged Dr Flegg’s lobbyist son, Jonathan Flegg, had regular contact with his father’s office, but the minister failed to disclose those dealings.
‘‘The actually lobbyist register document that was tabled when asked for by members of the opposition is in fact grossly inaccurate, misleading and fails to indicate a number of events, if you like, or contacts, or indeed, as the Premier says, recording all encounters,’’ Mr Hallett said in a press conference this morning.
Mr Hallett was sacked on Monday, only days after Dr Flegg fired his chief-of-staff Fraser Stephen.
It’s also believed Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek simultaneously dismissed his personal assistant Leonie Shepherd, a former electorate officer for Dr Flegg.
Mr Hallett has worked as a ministerial adviser in the Howard government and also helped Dr Flegg when he was Liberal leader in 2006.
In 2005, Mr Hallett was at the centre of controversy, when the then federal ministerial adviser was accused of trying to influence the Wyong Shire Council in NSW over a $1.5 million federal grant it was seeking to dredge a creek.