Labor has welcomed the extension of protections for private residential tenants in Tasmania, saying the backflip by the government is the right thing to do for vulnerable members of the community.
Shadow Housing Minister Alison Standen said the belated move is a common-sense response to Labor’s calls to protect vulnerable Tasmanians.
“The government’s ban on evictions and residential rent increases was initially set to end on 30 June,” Ms Standen said.
“This was despite other jurisdictions having such a ban in place for at least six months, as agreed by the National Cabinet, and protections for Tasmania’s commercial tenants and landlords being in place until 1 April next year.
“With too many Tasmanians already facing unemployment and increased job insecurity as a result of COVID-19, Labor has been calling for the ban to be extended at least until September this year.
“Just yesterday, the Housing Minister was sticking to his guns and refusing to consider an extension.
“But today, common sense has prevailed and the government has finally done the right thing.
“I welcome this backflip and hope to see more common sense and compassion from the Liberals in their future considerations.
“We need to look after everyone doing it tough because of COVID-19 and this extension brings tenants’ protections into line with important measures to support landlords, such as mortgage relief from banks and the COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund.
“As we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, we need to prioritise housing security for Tasmanians to help get them back into work.
“Labor’s COVID-19 Recovery Package, which will form the basis of Labor’s submission to the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council, is designed to get Tasmanians back into jobs, help those hardest hit by the pandemic and create a better, fairer and more resilient economy and society.
“We must take all Tasmanians along on recovery so that we can create a better state for everyone.”
Alison Standen MP
Shadow Housing Minister
