Who is impacted?

As of the 5th of July 2023, 43.5% of existing rental agreements in Victoria, Australia are not required to comply with the new smoke alarm safety-related requirements that came into effect in March 2021 (Coroners Court of Victoria, COR 2022 000829). This statistic also pertains to all electrical and gas safety activity requirements.

Simon (Si) Peter Scarff was killed in a fire in at his rented home in Victoria, Australia on 12 February 2022. Despite being required by law, no smoke alarm was fitted and devastatingly, no smoke alarm safety activities were required to be conducted by the rental provider/managing agent, due to his periodic lease having commenced in 2020. The absence of a working smoke alarm may have been identified if the safety activity was required by law. We, Si’s family, believe a working smoke alarm would have alerted him to the fire sooner, giving him precious minutes or seconds to possibly escape.

What is at stake?

People's safety and possibly their lives. 

Pursuant to section 72 of the Coroners Act 2008, Coroner Lawrie Recommended that the Minister for Government Services/Minister for Consumer Affairs consider amendments to the relevant legislation so that the safety-related activities in respect to gas, electrical and smoke alarm activities, may apply to all existing rental agreements, including rental agreements entered before 29th March 2021.

If Coroner Lawrie’s Recommendation is adopted, ALL Victorian renters will enjoy the same protections and level of safety in their homes, regardless of the agreement date or lease type.

Why is now the time to act?

NOW is the time to act because everyone deserves to be safe in their own home.

NOW is the time for you to act and sign this petition to demonstrate your support for Coroner Lawrie’s Recommendation to be adopted.

NOW is the time for the Minister for Government Services/Minister for Consumer Affairs to act, as they have 3 months from 31 October 2023 to respond to Coroner Lawrie in writing, stating what action, if any, has or will be taken.  

Please help us increase protections so that Si’s death isn't in vain.

Thank you, Si's extended family and friends 

https://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/inquests-findings/findings?combine=scarff

https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/gabrielle-williams/