Leader of the Opposition

LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA
​
MEDIA RELEASE
20th April 2020

Opposition accepts huge petition on unpopular pet laws
​This morning, the Country Liberal Party Opposition accepted a petition with more than 8,000 signatures against the Gunner Government’s ‘pet’s clause’, which removes property owners’ rights to refuse tenants requests to have pets in their rental properties, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said today.
 “It’s pretty clear that this legislation is unpopular and threatens our investment attractiveness. These changes infringe on the property rights of Territorians, including mum and dad investors, who have worked hard to purchase an investment property,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
 “The Government didn’t consult on these changes, there is no justification for them as the current system works and they’re a classic example of the Gunner Government’s overreach and red tape.
 “Last week the Gunner Government announced it would delay commencement of the clause because it creates uncertainty, which is a cop out. The Government refuses to admit it got it wrong and trying to sweep it under the carpet doesn’t give certainty at a time when we desperately need it.
 “The CLP has consistently called for the ‘pet’s clause’ to be scrapped altogether. The Government now has that opportunity when Parliament sits on Friday. The Government will be looking to amend the Act for COVID-19, and there’s no reason why this clause shouldn’t be repealed at the same time.
 “Even the Gunner Government’s own scrutiny committee recommended the clause not be passed into law, but arrogantly the Gunner Government went ahead anyway.
 “Our economy has suffered for three and a half years from the Gunner Government’s inability to drive private investment and grow our economy, and it is policy decisions and legislation like this that holds us back, not drives us forward.
 “There is no room for red tape with the huge economic recovery that will be needed post COVID-19 and this Government has an opportunity to help by repealing the ‘pet’s clause’,” Mrs Finocchiaro concluded.
ENDS

"Only together can we build a better Territory for you and your family.”

- LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA, Leader of the Country Liberal Party and member for Spillett