Jacquie Petrusma: Public Housing transfer to benefit tenants

Stage 2 of Tasmania’s Better Housing Futures program began today with the transfer of 1 049 public housing properties to Centacare Evolve Housing.

The transfer of public housing to the community sector is consistent with the Liberal Government’s commitment to a new way of providing services to the most vulnerable Tasmanians.

We will take a partnership approach with community organisations to deliver a more coordinated and person centred support system, which is outcomes focused and provides better services for tenants.

Centacare Evolve Housing is one of three community housing organisations that will take on management of more than 3 400 public housing properties statewide in Stage 2.

Better Housing Futures gives tenants more choice, more involvement in their community, access to more services, including local offices and maintenance programs, and increased opportunities to own their own homes.

Centacare Evolve Housing is a partnership between Centacare Tasmania and Evolve Housing. Together they have extensive experience in managing social housing, providing services including counselling and support, access to training and education, and community engagement.

Housing Choices Tasmania and Community Housing Limited will take over management of properties in Tasmania’s north west and north of the state from June and July.
Other Liberal Government initiatives to assist vulnerable Tasmanians include:

• The development of a State Affordable Housing Plan, which will provide a clear framework for the next decade. This plan will address the full spectrum of housing, from home ownership, to affordable rental, public, community housing and crisis accommodation;

• An additional $180,000 to support and extend the reach of mobile food vans currently operating in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport; and

• $100,000 to resource 15-20 start-up Food Co-operatives in local communities.
Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Human Services