The Australian Senate is expected to pass 31 government bills on its final scheduled sitting day, after the Greens agreed to support a vote on 27 bills in return for $500m for social housing energy upgrades and commitments against fossil fuel investment. The funds will be used to upgrade public and community homes to lower power bills for tenants.
Greens Pressure Works
The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, said that “Greens pressure works”, helping tenants “save approximately $1,800 a year on power bills”.
Other Agreements
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Amendments to the Build to Rent legislation will increase the minimum lease term that must be offered to tenants in new developments from three to five years.
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The government agreed to support Greens amendments to retain the power to override Reserve Bank decisions on interest rates and for the RBA to direct the lending activities of banks.
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10% of build to rent properties must be affordable, defined as 74.9% of market rent or 30% of income, whichever is lower.
Electoral Law Setback
The government suffered a setback on electoral law, conceding it had reached an impasse with the Coalition meaning the bill is off the table for now.
The Australian Senate is expected to pass 31 government bills on its final scheduled sitting day, after the Greens agreed to support a vote on 27 bills in return for $500m for social housing energy upgrades and commitments against fossil fuel investment.
Bills Expected to Pass
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27 bills will receive a final vote on Thursday, with the Greens supporting a guillotine motion to limit debate.
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Three controversial migration bills, including powers to prohibit items such as phones in immigration detention, are expected to pass with Coalition support.
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The under-16s social media ban is also likely to pass with Coalition support.
Greens Secured $500m for Social Housing Energy Upgrades
The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, said that “Greens pressure works”, helping tenants save approximately $1,800 a year on power bills.
The funds will be used to upgrade public and community homes to lower power bills for tenants.
Other Key Developments
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The government agreed to support Greens amendments to retain the power to override Reserve Bank decisions on interest rates.
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The housing minister, Clare O’Neil, announced changes to the build to rent tax law include banning no-fault evictions and requiring 10% of build to rent properties to be affordable.
