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.

Revelations in yesterday’s Legislative Council Inquiry into Homes Tasmania that the Tasmanian Government is being less than transparent with their 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2032 target will be disheartening news to Tasmanians currently experiencing severe housing stress.

TasCOSS supports and believes the many victim survivors who bravely shared their stories of abuse throughout the Commission of Inquiry, including those who spoke of abuse experienced at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.

The Tasmanian Government’s announcement of 12 month delay to the introduction of the universal, pre-commitment gaming card is disappointing and will result in more Tasmanians being harmed by gambling.

TasCOSS calls on the state and federal governments to act urgently to ensure key services continue for the 26% of Tasmanians with disability.

TasCOSS has long advocated for significant reform to better support Tasmanian families and children. We look forward to more detail about the Expert Panel announced today by the Tasmanian Government — in particular, we urge the Government to include key stakeholders from the community services industry in recognition of their longstanding experience working with children and families.

TasCOSS welcomes the announcement of an independent review of Tasmania’s education system as an important first step to improving education outcomes but urged the Government to include effective responses to socio-economic disadvantage faced by students in its Terms of Reference.