WARD INVITES RENTAL COMMISSIONER TO OUR REGION

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has invited the NSW Rental Commissioner to visit his electorate to discuss the housing crisis in the region. 

Mr Ward wrote to the Rental Commissioner on 20th January 2025 and is yet to receive a reply. 

Read my letter here.

Mr Ward says he has noticed a significant increase in inquiries and complaints to his office about the lack of affordable rental rental properties in the region along with consumer complaints involving landlords and tenants. 

"Be you a first home buyer or a person in the rental market trying to keep up, housing pressures is the main driver of the cost-of-living crisis," Mr Ward said. 

“I have invited the NSW Rental Commissioner to visit our community and see first-hand the pressures being experienced in the Illawarra and South Coast. 

“I want to see how the Rental Commissioner can help us and press the government for more than just targets. We need outcomes. 

“Whilst the government is touting 60 proposed affordable housing units in Bomaderry, more than 300 new frontline staff are expected to be working at Shoalhaven Hospital once the redevelopment is complete. Where are all these workers going to live? 

“The Government is also failing its own housing targets. This failure is putting pressure on rents as the market becomes incredibly competitive. 

”I am disappointed that the Rental Commissioner is yet to acknowledge my invitation. The Commissioner’s role is problematic because unlike other commissioner roles, this commission is not independent, it doesn’t have a parliamentary oversight committee and it can’t give fearless and frank advice to government. This commissioner is totally under the control of the Minister and the Government. 

“When I established the Ageing and Disability Commission back in 2019, this body was powerful and independent of government. The lack of response is concerning but I will continue to pressure the government to ensure the government provides the investments and reforms that make it easier for renters and first home buyers in our region,” Mr Ward concluded.