1. PHIL HEATLEY (National—Whangarei) Link to this
to the Member in charge of the Residential Tenancies (Damage Insurance) Amendment Bill
Has she received any advice since introducing the Residential Tenancies (Damage Insurance) Amendment Bill that the proposed legislation would have a number of negative unintended consequences; if so, what are these negative consequences?
MARYAN STREET (Member in charge of the Residential Tenancies (Damage Insurance) Amendment Bill) Link to this
I am aware that a number of submitters thought there might be unintended consequences, which is not the same thing as there actually being unintended consequences. But one such putative unintended consequence was that of the establishment of a list of uninsurable tenants, or a blacklist. My bill carries no such intention or implication. It simply asks that non-liable tenants not be pursued for costs, in the event of damage being caused by another tenant.
What is her response to official statements made by the Government’s Department of Building and Housing that her legislation “will create more problems than solved”, that “many people will be uninsurable and will not get accommodation”, that “first-time and at-risk renters are particularly disadvantaged”, and that “there will be significant compliance costs for all parties”; has she, as yet, had the courage to tell the Deputy Prime Minister this is yet another small victory for National in the Social Services Committee, as the committee has unanimously dumped the legislation, even though everyone was there to vote?
I am very aware that the purpose of the bill remains as an issue that has been taken up by the Department of Building and Housing’s current review of the Residential Tenancies Act, with the full knowledge and support of the Minister.
I seek leave to table the Department of Building and Housing’s damning report on Maryan Street’s bill.
Madam SPEAKER
Nandor TanczosI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Mr Heatley has been a member of this House for some time. I think it would be useful for you to remind him that the point of tabling papers is to provide information that members of the House cannot otherwise get access to. Seeking leave to table a report of a select committee is a waste of time.