2026-07-01
Movement on no-fault evictions and rent caps at last, but a band aid budget, and a one year anniversary to celebrate
By Hon Tim Clifford, MLC
What a huge couple of months! May and June were marked by sitting weeks, estimates, community events and more, and now we find ourselves both at the end of the financial year and the beginning of the parliamentary winter break.
A no-fault evictions win
A historic move from the Cook Labor Government in early May: they announced their intention to ban no-fault evictions and legislate minimum standards for renters in WA.
On the face of it, this is potentially the most significant reform to the Residential Tenancies Act in decades – one that could give renters the protection and stability they’ve long been denied.
But to this day we still don’t know the detail of these plans. In other states that have had similar legislation introduced, loopholes have been carved out to essentially allow no-fault evictions by another name. Until we know the details, it’s hard to say exactly how this might benefit renters.
Regardless, getting the issue of no-fault evictions on the agenda is unmistakably a Greens win. It’s taken nine years for the Labor Government to make this announcement after decades of pressure from the Greens, the sector and advocates. This is another example of the incredible power of our movement, and I’m so grateful to everyone who had a hand in getting us here.
Rent cap bill
I’m so proud to say that May also marked Greens’ rent cap bill, which I read into Parliament early in the month.
While news of WA Labor’s intention to ban no-fault evictions is encouraging and welcome, it doesn’t go far enough while renters are being utterly smashed by the skyrocketing cost of rent.
Legally capping the amount by which landlords can raise rents is one of the few things that would really put downward pressure on the rental market. And we know it works! As the only Australian jurisdiction with a rent cap, the ACT has largely avoided the massive rent hikes we’ve seen around the country in recent years.
Our rent cap bill is now formally lodged in the Parliament, and I hope to bring it back for a vote very soon. When I do, I hope to see the Cook Labor Government put their money where their mouth is and support this critical bill.
If you’d like to find out more about our campaign for renters’ rights or get involved, check out our campaign page here.
Budget time
Another year, another state budget – and another state budget, another fundamental failure by WA Labor to show leadership and deal with the multiple crises West Australians are facing right now.
West Australians are drowning under the compounding weight of the cost of living, housing and climate crises, and the Cook Labor Government thinks the solution is $100 fuel vouchers. It’s just another bunch of band aids slapped over serious wounds that need urgent treatment.
WA Labor had an opportunity to really commit to prioritising the wellbeing of both people and planet at a time it’s needed more than ever. Instead, they chose to deliver another bloated surplus that puts their vanity ahead of the public. Shame.
A year of Greens and gratitude
May was a huge month for another important reason: my Greens (WA) state colleagues and I marked one year since being sworn into Parliament.
It’s absolutely wild to think it’s been an entire year in this place already. We’ve achieved so much, both in our individual offices and as a broader parliamentary team. Having secured the balance of power in the upper house at the 2025 state election, our influence as a party on the legislation that shapes this state has been significant. It’s the privilege of my life to play my own small part in progressing our politics of hope for the benefit of all West Australians.
That’s not to say the past year hasn’t been without its challenges and frustrations: it sometimes feels as though we Greens are fighting an uphill battle. But in those moments I remind myself that our power lies in holding the line, and in standing with the community while the major parties serve their own interests and those of their wealthy donors.
There’s no way Brad, Jess, Sophie or I could do what we do without the support of every single person in our movement. Whatever you’ve done to contribute over the past year – be that knocking on a door, attending an event, sharing a socials post or anything else – I want to say a huge thank you for being on the right side of history with us.
To the next three years – and beyond!
Header photo: Tim speaking at the launch of the Parliamentary Friends of SMARTT (Science, Medical Advancement, Research, Technology & Talent) in June