Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Cameron, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the latest census data indicates that there has been a 13 per cent rise in homelessness since 2011,

  (ii) a well-functioning social housing system that is affordable for tenants is important in reducing homelessness,

  (iii) charging tenants a proportion of income as rent, as opposed to market rent, has proved an effective way to ensure affordability, and

  (iv) the Productivity Commission's report no. 85, Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services: Reforms to Human Services, recommends state and territory governments charge new social housing tenant market rents; and

(b) calls on the Turnbull Government to reject the recommendation that state and territory governments charge social housing tenants market rates.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is a matter for the state and territory governments. There are no plans to introduce market rents for public housing. The Commonwealth is establishing a new $1.5 billion a year National Housing and Homelessness Agreement to commence on 1 July 2018.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion 847, as moved by Senator Rhiannon and standing in the names of Senator Rhiannon and Senator Cameron, be agreed to.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just remind senators that, once the count has begun, you need to remain in the seat that you're in.