There was nothing 0n 8 May’s Federal Budget to ameliorate the housing crisis Tasmanians are experiencing.
A good, representative Federal Government would both acknowledge the immediacy of this issue and the toll it is taking on Tasmanians. A good, representative Federal Government would pull budget levers to end the wage stagnation that is one of this situation’s key contributors.
Immediate, positive action on this issue is also possible for a Federal Government willing to forgive our State’s housing debt as has been done for at least one other state.
Tasmania’s housing debt means that for every $28Million our State receives, it gives $15Million right back to the Commonwealth. This debt alone means we are underinvesting in social housing by $15Million each year.
Relieving Tasmania of this debt would enable the construction of new public housing properties and the urgent maintenance of existing stock.
Such action would be a relatively simple contributor to supporting our State Government and Housing Connect providers to increase availability so more Tasmanians on the Housing Tasmania waiting list can have a place to call home.
Photo credit: Bystander Photography & Design