Media release – Guy Barnett, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing, 29 October 2022
Leadership sought to deliver better housing outcomes for Tasmanians
I’m pleased to announce the process for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Homes Tasmania has commenced, with the role advertised today.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to addressing Tasmania’s housing challenges. The cornerstone of our plan is Homes Tasmania, a new authority with significant powers to leverage its $3.5 billion asset base. This will mean more homes, faster for Tasmanians.
Our core priority is meeting the needs of our most vulnerable and ensuring that housing and homelessness services are provided to those most in need.
In addition, Homes Tasmania will also play a role in understanding the whole housing market in Tasmania, including issues such as housing shortages in regional areas, urban renewal and building liveable communities.
Experienced leadership is now being sought to bring innovative thinking, draw on diverse views, collaborate with sector partners and guide Homes Tasmania in delivering outcomes that address our housing challenges.
Alongside the Board, the CEO will be responsible for delivering the Government’s ambitious plan to deliver 10,000 new social and affordable homes by 2032.
I encourage anyone with the relevant skills and knowledge and a passion for Tasmania and improving our housing outcomes to apply.
Ella Haddad MP, Shadow Housing Minister,30 October 2022
Annual Report lays bare Liberals’ total housing failure
The Department of Communities Annual Report has shown the complete failure of the Liberal Government to address Tasmania’s housing crisis.
The report shows the number of people housed during the year has fallen nearly 20 per cent compared to 2018, while 568 fewer people were supported into housing with private rental assistance.
Shockingly, the turnaround time for social housing has increased 40 per cent since 2018. Given the desperate need for housing right across Tasmania, it is unforgivable that perfectly good houses are sitting vacant a day longer than is absolutely necessary.
And this latest data comes off the back of Friday’s terrible housing dashboards, which showed rental vacancy rates as low as just 0.2 per cent, declining building approvals over the past year and the complete failure of the Liberal Government to deliver anywhere near the number of new houses it promised Tasmanians.
As a result, the Annual Report shows waiting lists for housing are up to record levels, as is the length of time even the highest priority applicants have to wait.
The Liberals have failed to get the basics right on housing for nearly a decade, and this year’s Annual Report shows the terrible toll this is taking on Tasmanians.
The Liberal Government needs to get its priorities right, stop obsessing over its $750 million stadium, and start delivering on the promises it made to Tasmanians.
