On the eve of National Homelessness Week, the Labor Party is urging the Government to announce real measures to tackle Tasmania’s homelessness crisis.
Shadow Housing Minister, Alison Standen, said Tasmanians were sick of broken promises and wanted tangible outcomes to help those in need.
“On any given night, 1,600 Tasmanians are homeless and many other families are couch surfing, relying on their friends and families or living in sheds, cars or tents,” Ms Standen said.
“Housing Minister Roger Jaensch does not have a plan to address Tasmania’s homelessness crisis.
“He has failed to build the promised 900 homes and there’s more than 3,300 people on the public housing register.
“He has also failed to produce the promised workplan with the details on deliverables and timeframes and the measures he recently announced will only assist those living in the greater Hobart area.
“The Minister must also reveal how much of the $450 million of cuts to jobs and services will be taken out of the housing sector with Labor estimating this figure could be around $10 million.
“We need investments that deliver value for money and outcomes. As well as emergency accommodation, service providers need a guarantee of what immediate and recurrent funding will be provided to enable them to offer wrap-around support services for homeless people.”
Alison Standen MP
Shadow Housing Minister
