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
More on Housing
Shelter Tas & TasCOSS Joint Communique: Progress Made on Housing & Homelessness
Federal Housing Minister Michael Sukkar and State Housing Minister Roger Jaensch both attended today’s meeting at which Shelter Tasmania and TasCOSS represented the community services industry with a united front.
Housing: 2019/20 Federal Budget
“Affordable housing and social housing, both public and community housing, ain’t fixed.”
2019/20 Federal Budget Wrap-up
Summaries on the major areas of the Budget with links to more information and commentary on related peak body websites.
Rental
Up to 3 year land tax holiday to encourage new-build rental housing on longer leases – minimum lease term of 12 months, estimated to incentivise up to 2000 new dwellings.
Affordable Housing
$125M for second stage of Tas Affordable Housing Strategy. Deliver 1500 new affordable homes.
Stamp Duty
Fifty per cent stamp duty discount for first home buyers purchasing established homes up to $400 000.
Housing
Our Vision
TasCOSS calls for affordable, appropriate, safe and secure housing for all and an end to homelessness.
Joint Statement from Community Sector on Responses to Housing & Homeless in Hobart
Every day in Tasmania, the Housing Connect partners, Anglicare, Colony 47, Hobart City Mission, the Salvation Army and CatholicCare are on the ground working with people who are severely disadvantaged including people who are currently experiencing housing stress.