Opinion

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has called for the Rental Commissioner to be made truly independent, arguing the current system is failing renters and acting as little more than a political tool for the government of the day.

Speaking to The Bugle, Ward expressed frustration that the Rental Commissioner has not responded to his correspondence and appears to be selective in engaging with communities.

“They just do the bidding of the government, whoever that government might be. If they were genuinely seeking policy reform, they would be visiting regions, listening to communities, and responding to requests from all members of parliament, not just government MPs,” Ward said.

He believes the structure of the commission, as it stands, is fundamentally flawed. 

“It is just another public servant, not an independent voice for renters,” he said.

Ward is particularly concerned about the lack of accountability for landlords, citing local cases where rental properties have been left in shocking conditions with little oversight. 

“We are seeing anything thrown on the market by estate agents, sometimes from completely different LGAs. Imagine if there were no local agents at all, just online agencies with no real person to speak to. It is a serious issue.”

His concerns are reinforced by new data from the latest REA Group Rental Affordability Report, which confirms New South Wales is experiencing its worst rental affordability crisis on record.

Sydney rents have reached an unprecedented $780 per week for houses and $700 for units, making it the least affordable state in Australia.

“This report validates what 67,900 people seeking homelessness support last year already know – housing in NSW has become completely unaffordable for many,” said Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe.

With rising homelessness in the region, Ward pointed to a stark disconnect between political rhetoric and real-world outcomes. 

“Titles do not matter to someone sleeping in a tent or in the back of their car. What matters is actual outcomes. And I do not see what outcomes this commission has achieved.”

Ward is now pushing for reforms, including making the Rental Commissioner independent and ensuring renters in regional areas, such as Kiama, have their concerns heard.

“I will be raising this at my next cross-bench meeting and suggesting we bring the Rental Commissioner in for a briefing. If they are supposed to be a voice for renters, they need to be listening.”

As the housing crisis deepens, the question remains.

Will the government take real action, or will the Rental Commissioner remain little more than political window dressing?