With rental protections for residential tenants due to expire in just over a month, Labor is calling on the government to immediately extend protections.
Shadow Minister for Housing Alison Standen said the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue post 30 September, and the government needs to act to protect Tasmanians and provide certainty to residential landlords and talents.
“I am hearing reports of people who have been told their rent will increase or their leases will end when the current protections expire.
“Coupled with cuts to both Job Seeker and Job Keeper payments, this places significant pressure on household budgets.
“With borders set to be closed until at least December and thousands of people out of work it is clear many tenants are set to face hardships for months to come, and need further support.
“Many families have had a significant reduction in household income, and they deserve reassurance they will not be pushed into homelessness after September.
“We already know there is a shortage of public housing and affordable private rental alternatives in Tasmania, and this will place further strain on an already struggling system.
“Elise Archer is out of touch if she thinks there is plenty of time to make a decision. She should put herself in the shoes of these tenants – perhaps if she was staring down the barrel of homelessness within a month she might act with more urgency.
Alison Standen
Shadow Minister for Housing
