Tasmania remains in a cost of living crisis, with many households struggling to afford the basics and anxious about their financial security, the direction of our state and the future for their children.
Launching their 2025 Tasmanian Election Priorities (PDF, 3.48MB) today, TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said this election provided an opportunity to act on the issues that really matter to Tasmanians.
“When we speak to Tasmanians, they tell us a safe, affordable place to call home, action on the cost of living, and ensuring our children are safe and supported are the issues that matter most,” Ms Picone said.
“The policy driving these critical areas right now, clearly isn’t working.
“Take for example the chronic lack of social housing, which has not kept pace with population growth and demand, leading to the waiting list reaching a record high of 5,094.
“During this election campaign, TasCOSS is calling on all political leaders to demonstrate brave and bold leadership in order to create much needed change, with a focus on investing in Tasmanians and their wellbeing.”
Ms Picone said there is also an urgent need for a sustainable community services industry to deliver essential support to Tasmanians in need — whether that’s providing emergency housing, support to women fleeing violence, food relief for families doing it tough, mental health support or literacy and digital skills.
“Right now, people are missing out on these essential supports, as community services are forced to turn people away because they don’t have the funding and resources to support everyone looking for help,” she said.
“Investing in people, as well as the services that support them, will result in a healthier population, better outcomes and cost savings for government.
“Tasmanians deserve better and they are crying out for action. Because in the end, it is our people that will miss out.”
TasCOSS’s 2025 Tasmanian Election Priorities (PDF, 3.48MB) statement focusses on industry sustainability and proposes a number of evidence-informed recommendations that better targets government spending to improve the wellbeing of Tasmanians.
TasCOSS’s 2025 Tasmanian Election Priorities:
- Prioritising community services industry sustainability
- Improving the state of Tasmania’s housing
- Bringing down household energy costs
- Transforming child and youth safety
- Closing the digital divide
- Keeping Tasmanians healthy