SYKES – DEFENDS LOCAL CARAVAN PARKS AND OUR DISADVANTAGED

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, opposed the Government’s flawed Residential Tenancies (Further Amendment) Bill in Parliament last week in the interest of local caravan park owners and the region’s disadvantaged people.

Dr Sykes debated the Bill on two key issues. The first issue being the sharing of energy costs in a rooming house; and the other the detrimental reduction to the qualifying period for a person to be categorised as a resident, having a negative impact on caravan park management.

Dr Sykes said, “The Bill proposes to include energy costs in the rental payments of share accommodation. When landlords factor energy costs into the basic room rent (as is the intent of this Bill) they will put a loading in place on all rental allowances to insure them against some residents using an exorbitant amount of energy and incurring a very high cost.

“This is an understandable tactic for risk management but it will result in more people paying a high cost for their accommodation rather than keeping it at a lower level. This is not commonsense and it hits those in our community that can least afford it.

Dr Sykes continued, “Similarly reducing the period for accommodation to be treated as residential from 90 days to 60 days threatens those most disadvantaged in our community again. Our concern is that these changes will deter some caravan park owners from providing crisis accommodation and transitional housing, which is currently common place in country Victoria.

“Caravan park owners were not even consulted about this and now they must treat all guests staying longer than 60 days as residents.

“According to the communication I have received from local operators this Bill will significantly impact upon their ability to operate effectively. These concerns are felt by many in my electorate including Ray Octigan from Bonnie Doon; Tracey and Ludy Pawlik from Bright; Mrs Tabe from the Euroa Caravan Park; Ray and Julie Plumpton from Goughs Bay on beautiful Lake Eildon; Alan and Helen Pettifer from Mansfield, the gateway to the high country; and Mick and Julie Perkins from Porepunkah, in the beautiful Ovens Valley.

“This Bill will go through to the Upper House where The Nationals will vigorously oppose it again. I implore the Government to look hard at the honourable intentions of the Bill versus the unintended implications… realise the balance is all wrong and apply some common sense!

Dr Sykes concluded, “Mr Bracks you have failed to consult country Victorians again!

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989