New data showing
a huge drop in housing development approvals has underlined the Liberal
government’s lack of action on Tasmania’s housing crisis.
Figures from the
Australian Bureau of Statistics show a 25 per cent drop in approvals over the
past year in Tasmania. That represents 1039 fewer approvals, even though we are
in the grip of the most serious housing crisis in the state’s history.
The Liberals
promised to introduce a statewide planning scheme to help optimise the approvals
process but, nearly a decade later, there is still no statewide scheme and
approvals are falling dramatically.
The Liberals
haven’t built the social housing they promised to Tasmanians in need, they
haven’t delivered the planning reform they promised to make building easier,
and they continue to let Airbnb wreak havoc on our rental market.
Coming on the
back of data last week showing ballooning wait times for social housing and
soaring rents, it is clear the Liberals are failing to get the basics right
across every aspect of the housing system.
Statewide,
median rents have increased by 10 per cent over the past year, heaping further
pressure on households already struggling with the soaring cost of living.
The Liberals
have failed to get the basics right across the entire housing system for nearly
a decade, and the crisis will only worsen if urgent and meaningful action is
not taken.
All Tasmanians deserve a roof over their heads and this government needs to stop making excuses and start delivering.
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Minister for Housing
