Minister rejects important voice in housing debate

The Minister for Human Services seems to think that the only stakeholder views relevant to the discussion about the transfer of 500 public housing properties are the community housing providers who are set to benefit from the decision.

Shadow Minister Rebecca White said the Minister today dismissed concerns raised by the CEO of Colony 47, Therese Taylor, about the move to give away 500 public housing properties because Colony 47 is not a community housing provider.

“Colony 47 is the lead agency for the operation of Housing Connect and has been operating in Tasmania for more than 40 years providing support to vulnerable Tasmanians,” Ms White said.

“The voice of the community sector is very relevant in the debate regarding whether Minister Petrusma should proceed with the idea to give away 500 public housing properties.

“The Minister has failed to answer questions about what consultation has occurred to develop this policy and what evidence there is to support it.

“The community sector, the tenants in these properties and the wider Tasmanian community deserve detailed answers from the Minister about this policy and their concerns should not be dismissed so glibly.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Human Services Minister