Media release – Independent candidate for Clark, Sue Hickey, 22 February 2024
Hickey proposes innovative housing initiative
Independent candidate for Clark, Sue Hickey, has put forward an innovative initiative to tackle Tasmania’s affordable housing crisis.
She wants the next Tasmanian Government to provide $100m in loan funding, interest free for three years, to support social and affordable housing providers to build up to 400 new homes.
Ms Hickey said access to affordable, safe, and secure housing is a basic human right for every Tasmanian family.
“But for many Tasmanians it is a distant dream, with the availability and cost of housing creating huge stress for many prospective home buyers and renters. This is particularly so for people on low incomes, families, and older people within our communities,” she said.
Tasmania’s housing waitlist is out of control, with 4500 applicants still waiting for a home. The list has grown by almost 1000 over the term of the last parliament and the wait time has blown out to an average of more than 77 weeks. It is unacceptable and resolving the situation must be a priority.
“But it does not have to be the case and the innovative deal I am proposing could make a huge difference and at last begin to address our State’s critical housing crisis.
Ms Hickey said if social and affordable housing providers are given a government-guaranteed $100 million in loan funding and a three-year interest holiday, it would boost home construction and employment, help to provide homes for those on the housing waiting list and act to bring rents under control.
“A total $100 million could immediately fund the construction of up to 400 affordable houses and once people have moved in, their repayments could help fund additional home construction, as well as paying off the loan and interest after the initial three years.
“At current rates, the interest cost over three years would likely amount to approximately $10 million – a relatively small price to pay to begin to deal with one of Tasmania’s most pressing social and economic issues.
“If elected, I will immediately seek to meet with the new Tasmanian Housing Minister and the Federal Minister Julie Collins to progress this initiative.
“Tasmania’s housing crisis has existed for too long, and it has only exacerbated over the past decade.
“Tasmania must commit to providing adequate safe and secure, public, and affordable housing for all those on the waiting list, as well as additional purpose-build emergency accommodation for those in dire need.
“Such an arrangement would not only be good for those waiting for affordable housing, it would also be a win for the economy and employment. All this could be achieved at a cost of just $10 million in interest costs,” Ms Hickey said.
