The prospect of rising electricity prices during the winter months is cold comfort for Tasmanian households struggling with a cost of living crisis.

The federal election is over and while counting continues in close run seats, the Labor Government has been returned with an increased majority. But the challenges many of our community face remain — inadequate incomes, a lack of affordable housing, rising energy costs, to name but few.

New housing dashboard aims to put spotlight on solving our growing housing crisis, writes Adrienne Picone.

TasCOSS unveiled a new, interactive Tasmania’s State of Housing Dashboard that will track a number of housing indicators against the Tasmanian Government’s key housing commitments. The online dashboard aims to cut through the spin and provide an easy-to-understand, timely and reliable ‘pulse check’ of the housing situation in Tasmania.

We are now entering the final stretch of the 2025 Federal Election campaign with only a few days left before polling day. And while it’s been refreshing to see commentary focussed on key cost of living concerns for Tasmanians, we are disappointed by the lack of bold, forward-thinking policy commitments, especially from the two major parties.

TasCOSS strongly supports evidence-based initiatives and polices that keep all Tasmanians safe and well.

TasCOSS today unveiled its 2025 Federal Election: TasCOSS Priorities, which calls on all candidates and parties to commit to evidence-informed recommendations that, if enacted, will reduce poverty and inequality.

On Tuesday 25 March 2025, the Treasurer, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, handed down the latest Federal Budget. Read TasCOSS’s reaction and responses from across the community services industry.