Legislative Protection for the Rights of Caravan and Tourist Park Residents

We, the undersigned residents of Tasmania, draw to the House's attention that:

1. Historically, residency in Caravan and Tourist Parks has reduced homelessness by providing a form of low-cost accommodation and has provided a stable income to reputable owners of such parks.

2. Tasmania is the only state in the Commonwealth of Australia that has no law protecting the rights of residents in Caravan and Tourist Parks who own their own units and, as such, are not covered by the Tenancy Act.

3. This lack of legislation has led to a situation whereby residents may be subjected to unreasonable rules, unwarranted evictions, and stressful situations. Lack of legal clarity has also led to unnecessary legal disputes which are expensive for both park owners and residents.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call on the Government to:

1. Immediately enact an interim regulation in the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 to include residents/tenants or lessees in Caravan or Tourist Parks within the provisions of the Act to provide some interim certainty to both park owners and residents.

2. Release the Government's response to the public submissions on the Regulation of Long-Term Residency in Caravan Parks in Tasmania Discussion Paper, that closed on the 2nd of October 2024.

3. Introduce comprehensive and effective legislation to protect the rights of Caravan and Tourist Park residents by June 2025.