RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES

The Hon. M. PARNELL (15:20): Does the minister think it is fair that the Residential Tenancies Tribunal is paid for almost entirely by tenants through interest on their bond moneys, yet it is used almost entirely, or at least overwhelmingly, by landlords bringing applications against tenants?

The PRESIDENT: The honourable minister is being asked for an opinion there.

The Hon. M. PARNELL: The original answer.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises) (15:20): I am happy to answer this, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: It is up to you.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The funding for the Residential Tenancies Tribunal does come from money earned on the interests of bonds, but also the honourable member would be aware that I recently introduced a $35 application fee, and that contributes to funds as well. The funds are very much put to good work. The tribunal's roles and responsibilities do provide services to both tenants and landlords, and a great deal of that is not just the tribunal work, but it is also the support, advice and education that is given to landlords and, predominantly, tenants as well.

I think that any dollar that can be spent helping people to avoid using the tribunal is a good thing. It is in everyone's interests for people to be very clear about their rights and responsibilities so that they are better able to deliver those and to adhere to those, and then to try to nip disputes or problems early in the piece before they escalate into something more serious. We are investing more money into that early prevention, if you like. The application fee money, in particular, has gone into initiatives to help that early intervention.