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.

This Federal Budget lacks the long-term vision and reform necessary to address cost of living pressures being felt by the Tasmanian community.

TasCOSS today appeared before the Joint Select Committee on Energy Matters to speak about actions the Government can take to reduce instances of energy poverty and to ensure all Tasmanians have access to a reliable, safe and affordable household energy supply.

TasCOSS welcomes the Federal Government’s investment of an additional $500 million to retrofit another 50,000 social housing properties with energy efficient, electric and solar upgrades and calls on the Tasmanian Government to match its investment.

Leaving poverty unchecked is a choice of government, let’s ask why, writes Adrienne Picone.

In the midst of a worsening affordability crisis, we have been delivered a Budget which prioritises investing in projects over investing in people. A Budget that prioritises $5.1 billion of investment in infrastructure, ahead of investments that support people into long term employment, provide safe and affordable homes for Tasmanians on low incomes, and reduce energy bills over the long term, is the wrong Budget and the wrong priority.

With acute housing stress becoming an all-too-familiar tale for a growing number of Tasmanians, Homelessness Week presents an opportunity to take action to significantly reduce instances of homelessness across the state.

A new report from Deloitte Access Economics reveals Tasmania’s low income homes could significantly reduce their average annual energy bills with an accelerated rollout of thermal efficiency upgrades and electrification and rooftop solar.