Federal inquiry into rental crisis branded a “waste of taxpayers’ money”

A Senate committee inquiry into the rental crisis ended without agreed recommendations, with Labor, Coalition and Greens senators each advancing separate positions. PIPA chair Nicola McDougall and AHURI researchers criticised the exercise as poor value for public money and said the chair’s proposals reflected Greens policy rather than the evidence given. Tenant advocates argued the hearings had at least raised awareness of renters’ difficulties.