Shocking new data reveals how badly the Liberal government is failing young Tasmanians who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Shadow Minister for Housing Alison Standen said it makes a mockery of claims by Roger Jaensch that he is taking action on Tasmania’s housing crisis.
“Colony 47’s Real Youth Survival Report 2020 found nearly 40% of young people surveyed see themselves at risk of homelessness, and the main reason given was inability to pay the rent.
“Living so precariously has a profound impact on the mental health of these young people, and denies them the stability they need to focus on their education or getting a job.
“A series of reports have highlighted declining rental affordability for years, with Hobart being the least affordable capital city.
“Two parliamentary inquiries have linked rental affordability with the short stay accommodation market. Yet the Liberal government continues to refuse to regulate the sector until market conditions ease.
“And Roger Jaensch has failed to make public the latest short stay accommodation report, covering the April to June quarter – the period of greatest impact of the pandemic. The report is now significantly overdue.
“Is Roger Jaensch sitting on this report because it shows continued evidence of rental market failure?
“Under Roger Jaensch, Tasmania’s new normal is homeless people on the streets, unaffordable rents and young people shut out of home ownership.”
Alison Standen
Shadow Minister for Housing
