Newly-independent MHA Rebekah Pentland is sounding the alarm on Tasmania’s relentless housing affordability crisis, highlighting the urgent need for increased government action.

Currently, Tasmania’s vacancy rate sits at a concerning 1.7%, well below the healthy benchmark of 3% to 4% as outlined by the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT).

Pentland considers this shortage of available housing options as having severe consequences, particularly for those at the lower end of the market, who are increasingly being pushed into homelessness.

“The lack of affordable housing in Tasmania is a crisis that cannot be ignored,” said Pentland.

“Without effective government incentives to stimulate the construction of affordable homes, we are seeing a direct flow-on effect where vulnerable Tasmanians are left with little choice but to join the rising homeless population.”

“Just days ago, the City of Launceston Council issued ‘move on orders’ to 18 homeless individuals from the Inveresk Roundhouse due to community complaints about anti-social behaviour. This underscores the severe shortage of crisis, temporary, and long-term housing options for those who have no choice but to sleep outside.”

The former Jacqui Lambie Network Member for Bass said Tasmanians are relying on next week’s budget to include solutions to the homelessness crisis.

Pentland also recently moved a motion in Parliament during National Homelessness Week for further consultation on the proposed Pets in Rentals Bill. She stressed that legislation must consider input from renters, landlords, and animal welfare organisations to avoid unintended consequences that could exacerbate the housing crisis.

“We cannot afford to pass a bill that hasn’t been thoroughly vetted by those it will impact the most,” Pentland stated. “The last thing we need is legislation that might inadvertently cause more homes to be withdrawn from the rental market due to inadequate consultation.”

Pentland said she is committed to advocating for policies that prioritise affordable housing solutions, ensuring that all Tasmanians have access to safe and secure accommodation.

Pentland was sensationally booted from JLN last month, along with Braddon MHA Miriam Beswick, over a dispute with party founder Jacqui Lambie.