The new Minister for Human Services must ensure social housing and energy efficiency upgrades for low income tenants continue, specifically in response to Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot, Greens’ Housing spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP said today.
“The Anglicare report makes it clear that people on New Start, Youth Allowance, Single and Age Pensioners, are being shut out of the private rental market and further marginalised by their poverty.
“Anglicare’s findings reinforce the importance of a viable and targeted social and community housing system to ensure disadvantaged Tasmanians are not squeezed into homelessness.
“Having access to a secure, affordable home with supports where necessary, enables people on low incomes to access education, training, employment and make healthy recreational and community connections.
“Access to secure, affordable housing is a fundamental human right which was recognised by the Labor Green government that undertook significant structural reform in this portfolio, including building 1500 new homes over four years, establishing a fairer rent setting system and delivering over 9500 energy efficiency upgrades to lower tenants’ cost of living.
“This work must continue and be strengthened further, particularly in light of Anglicare’s report today.
“Housing Tasmania must be regarded as a frontline service provider and be inoculated from Mr Gutwein’s ‘slash and burn’ August Budget.
“In its snapshot, Anglicare recommends continued assistance with energy saving upgrades as one mechanism for offsetting high rental costs, in both the public and private rental markets.
“Ms Petrusma needs to reassure disadvantaged Tasmanians who need affordable housing that her government won’t make life harder for them by winding back spending in Housing Tasmania or cutting the energy efficiency program,” Ms O’Connor said.
Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Housing spokesperson
