Responding to the reality of Tasmania’s housing crisis

Some Tasmanians are living in conditions more commonly seen in developing countries, according to a new quarterly snapshot released by Anglicare Tasmania.

Compared to the same time last year, there was a 34% increase in the number of Tasmanians seeking housing support from the Housing Connect Front Door in the July-September quarter; an 88% increase in the number of people sleeping rough, and a 54% increase in people living in inadequate or substandard dwellings.

CEO Dr Chris Jones said it was disturbing to hear frontline workers report a rise in people living in inappropriate dwellings such as sheds without running water, bathroom facilities or kitchens.

“It is of particular concern to us that the number of children in families seeking housing support has grown by 60%,” he said. “The Housing Connect Front Door staff provide a caring and supportive service, but the simple fact is that most clients don’t have access to what they truly need – a secure and stable home.”

New modelling by Anglicare’s Social Action and Research Centre (SARC) shows that without change, demand for social housing will continue to grow faster than supply. This would see approximately 14,000 Tasmanians waiting for social housing by 2032.

SARC coordinator, economist Mary Bennett, said the rise in the number of Tasmanians who cannot secure a home in the private rental market shows that more direct government intervention is urgently needed.

“The private market is not delivering affordable housing for all Tasmanians. We have critically low rental vacancy rates across Tasmania and rents outpacing wages by 15%, which is driving up demand for social housing,” she said.

On the eve of the State budget, Anglicare calls on the Tasmanian government to step up its response to the housing crisis.

“Some government initiatives such as Family Violence Rapid Rehousing and the Private Rental Incentive Scheme have stalled,” said Dr Jones. “They’re well-intended but are clearly not working.

We urgently need more social homes on the ground, so that individuals and families with children can be moved into housing and off a growing waitlist.

The Housing Connect Front Door Snapshot recommends that the Tasmanian Government:

• works with providers to make more supported accommodation available to people who need additional support;
• funds delivery of more crisis accommodation, transitional housing and social homes that meet the needs of people living with mental health conditions or escaping domestic and family violence; and
• works with the Australian Government to scale up investment in long-term social housing.

Background

The Housing Connect Front Door is the entry point for housing assistance in Tasmania. It is where people can get information about housing options and other supports. It can assist people to apply for social housing or to secure or maintain a private rental tenancy.

Anglicare delivers this service from its offices in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, as well as providing outreach at various community locations.

The Housing Connect Front Door does not make decisions about how social housing is allocated to people waiting for a home. Homes Tasmania manages the Housing Register in Tasmania.