What: Hobart: Everybody’s Home Housing and Homelessness lunchtime forum with guest presenters Professor Peter Phibbs and Ben Bartl
When: This Friday 12 August, from 12:00-13:00
Where: Elizabeth St Conference Room (at the back of Town Hall), Hobart
The issue of housing and homelessness is one of three key focuses for Greens standing for the October local government elections.
“Housing is a fundamental human right, but with high house prices, a chronically restricted rental market, conversions to short stay accommodation gobbling up properties that once were homes, the challenges are many,” according to Cr Helen Burnet, who is current Deputy Lord Mayor of Hobart.
“Whilst we have obviously identified the myriad reasons why we have a chronic shortage, and understand that the problem is complex, this forum will provide a chance to both hear what the Greens have promoted on Council, and to thresh out solutions.
“The benefit of Greens on Council is that we not only have a strong voice for our community, but we can also work effectively with colleagues at both state and federal levels for meaningful action through advocacy and shifting policy,” Cr Burnet said.
Key speakers for the lunchtime forum are Professor Peter Phibbs whose work has focussed on the impacts of short stay accommodation on the housing market, and Principal solicitor from the Tasmanian Tenants’ Union, Mr Ben Bartl.
Also providing their perspective will be the 5 Greens candidates for the Hobart Council elections: social worker Bec Taylor, researcher Gemma Kitsos, youth advocate Nathan Volf and sitting councillors Helen Burnet and Bill Harvey.
