Annual Report 2023-2024

Housing continues to dominate political debate at all levels of government. Our strong media presence is a reflection of the Tenants’ Union and Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service (TAAS) Network’s credibility as advocates for renters as a cohort and as individuals. We have played a leading role in advocating for better outcomes for renters not only in NSW, but through our work with our colleagues in the National Association of Renters Organisations.

It would be impossible not to acknowledge the significant law reform achievements as a result of the Tenants’ Union’s advocacy that occurred after the end of the reporting period. Abolishing no-grounds evictions corrects a long-standing and fundamental power imbalance in tenancy regulation between renters and landlords. I would like to acknowledge the dogged persistence of many Tenants’ Union staff and board members, past and present, along with our many allies and partners who campaigned for this change.

As these reforms are implemented, the value of our strong online presence, community education and training services is being underlined. Our digital services allow us to support renters and their advocates at scale, and the resources we provide will be critical to renters realising the promise of hard-won regulatory reform.

The Tenants’ Union’s advocacy has also influenced the delivery of NSW government services to renters – both as a regulator and a landlord. The creation of the Aboriginal Tenancy List at the NSW Civil and Adminsitrative Tribunal (NCAT) is a significant step in addressing structural housing issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their access to housing justice. The Tenants’ Union welcomes increased government investment in new social housing, and the promise of enhanced maintenance of the NSW government’s social housing properties.

I would like to thank, and acknowledge, the Tenants’ Union’s passionate and expert staff who have clocked up some serious individual and systematic wins for renters in NSW this year – and extend that thanks and acknowledgment to our colleagues in the TAAS network and the Community Legal sector. I would also like to thank my colleagues on the board – especially Maree O’Halloran, who will retire from the Board at the AGM after many years of service to the organisation. Looking back on Maree’s tenure – and the progress we have made in that time – highlighted for me the significance of the reform program we have achieved this year. I hope you will join me in taking a moment to celebrate these victories before we turn our mind to the work ahead.

Melissa Brooks

Chairperson