2020-09-02
Confronting cash for access and the need for rental assistance
By Hon. Tim Clifford, MLC for East Metropolitan
As the pandemic in Australia stabilises and the need for economic stimulus takes precedence, both the federal and state governments have been in lockstep when it comes to their approach towards the economic recovery. The Morrison and the McGowan Governments are both pushing for a gas-lead recovery -- despite the climate crisis.
It’s frustrating and disappointing to see that even during this time of crisis, vested interests have the ear of government. I raised these influence concerns during the debate of Hon Alison Xamon’s Electoral Amendment (Access to Ministers) Bill in August. This fantastic Bill would have prevented corporate donors, lobbyists and vested interests with deep pockets buying access to Ministers of the Government under the guise of a political party fundraiser. Though a vote was never called as the McGowan Government and Opposition filibustered the debate, I did have an opportunity to remind the House of the major political and media attack that was launched against the Environmental Protection Authority after it released its greenhouse gas emission guidelines in March of last year. And that within hours of a roundtable with key oil and gas players ‒ all who would have been held accountable for their emissions under the guidelines ‒ the Premier had phoned the EPA chair and the guidelines were withdrawn. I also reminded members of the hundreds of thousands of dollars those oil and gas companies donate to the Labor, Liberal and National parties. 
While campaigning on the WA Climate Change Act and pushing for a green covid-19 recovery, my office has also been actively supporting renters during these uncertain times. The moratorium on evictions and other rental assistance measures that the Greens fought for are due to run out at the end of September. It’s vital that this support continues, especially with the upcoming changes to JobSeeker and JobKeeper. After asking several questions in Parliament about the success of the Rental Relief Grant Scheme and the mandatory conciliation service, and after receiving responses that raised further questions, my team and I decided to gather lived experiences. And as a result we have created a survey to canvas peoples’ experiences renting during COVID-19. This will help us fight for stronger protections and convince the Government to extend the rental assistance measures beyond September. We must do all we can to help keep people in their homes, now more than ever. If we don’t act now, hundreds or thousands of Western Australians will likely be facing massive rent-deferral bills, and possibly eviction. If you’re a renter, or know someone who is, please complete the survey and help us make renting fair for all Western Australians. The survey link can be found on my Facebook, Instagram or website.
And finally, I am really looking forward to the East Metro campaign launch. We will be kicking the launch off at the Bassendean hotel with supporters and newly preselected candidates. The upcoming election is going to be a tough one but I am so proud to have so many good people putting their hands up to volunteer for the campaign team.