The State Government will boost its funding into not-for-profit tenant support agencies from $6 million to $10 million over five years for agencies offering education, advocacy and support services to tenants.
The State Government will boost its funding into not-for-profit tenant support agencies from $6 million to $10 million over five years for agencies offering education, advocacy and support services to tenants.
Funding for the program will be sourced from interest on tenants' bond money lodged with the Consumer Protection's bond administrator.
The full text of an announcement from Consumer Protection Minister Sheila McHale is pasted below
Western Australian tenants will benefit from almost $4 million in new funding to be injected into not-for-profit tenant support agencies.
Consumer Protection Minister Sheila McHale announced in Albany today the State Government would boost current funding of $6 million to $10 million over five years for agencies who offered education, advocacy and support services to tenants.
"There is no doubt the demands on advocacy groups is growing in the current rental market and it is important we act," Ms McHale said.
"The extra funding is an increase of nearly 40 per cent and highlights our commitment to help agencies build on the good work they do.
"With the rental market tightening, tenants need information about their rights and proper access to advocacy and support services.
"The money will help more tenants get advice on matters such as their rights regarding eviction, rent increases and how to take matters to court."
The Minister said the five-year funding package would boost the number of tenant service centres, with new services to open for the first time in the Great Southern and the Wheatbelt.
"These were identified as the areas in greatest need of a service and tenders for the new services are currently being awarded," she said.
"There will also be an increase in the number of hours service centres operate from 93,750 to 139,500 hours - a 33 per cent increase."
Albany MLA Peter Watson, who lobbied for the new services, said tenants throughout the Great Southern now had access to proper support and advice.
"There is a critical shortage of rental properties in and around Albany and this is affecting many vulnerable families," Mr Watson said.
"I have people who come to my office facing steep rent increases, for example, who just don't know who to turn to."
Ms McHale said the $10 million program was sourced from interest on tenants' bond money lodged with the Consumer Protection's bond administrator.
"The Carpenter Government is making decisions for the benefit of all Western Australians, wherever they live," she said.
