Heartened by promises but keen for more
I DON’T know any Australian who would argue that having a safe, stable and affordable place to call home is anything other than a basic human right. However, it is now out of reach for more Tasmanians than ever before.
So, it’s no surprise housing is one of the key state election issues and one from which our politicians and economic leaders can’t afford to shy away.
The fact that all major parties have already released housing affordability election plans, even before the writ was issued, shows just how keenly they are taking notice.
It is good to see acknowledgment that housing affordability isn’t just about buying a house. It’s about fulfilling the housing needs of all Tasmanians including those who need public and social housing, those locked out of the private rental market and those who don’t have a home at all.
We were also heartened by the commitments of the Liberal and Labor parties to investment in purpose-built disability housing, to supporting and expanding the HomeShare and Streets Ahead programs and to building new housing, particularly for those escaping family violence.
Whoever our leaders are by the end of March, they can be confident the community housing sector will continue to be a vital partner in helping them deliver on their campaign pledges.
This growing involvement was propelled by the Better Housing Futures program which saw the management transfer of 1170 Housing Tasmania properties to Housing Choices Tasmania (HCT) in the North-West while transfers were made to other providers across Tasmania. Initiated by the Labor government and delivered under a Liberal government, the successful transfer and transition of public housing to the community housing sector in Tasmania paved the way for other jurisdictions to do the same.
Local not-for-profit community housing providers that are committed and highly regulated manage about 4000 (about 34 per cent) of Housing Tasmania’s properties and we do it well, cost-effectively and with compassion. HCT, part of the Housing Choices Australia group, now manages about 1420 of these.
The transfer process allows us to improve existing housing, increase the supply of new housing and deliver millions of dollars in investment in local employment, supporting local contractors and in building up neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhood strengthening is important to our success. We do this by providing community development programs and opportunities and ensuring individual and community connections are fostered, improving the wellbeing of our residents and those around them. Having a roof over your head is only the first step toward having a good home.
Importantly for us and other providers is the announcement of the Community Housing Stock Leverage Program, which will facilitate construction of about 350 affordable homes.
And through the Regional Supply Initiative, a collaboration between Housing Tasmania, Latrobe Council and HCT, we are gearing up to deliver another 31 houses for vulnerable people in the NorthWest. Other providers are looking to deliver additional stock. This is what we can do when we work together.
But all this work is just the beginning. There is so much more we can and need to do.
So, while it’s really encouraging to see the housing affordability policies being put forward, let’s take the time to consider what can be achieved.
The community housing sector in Tasmania is poised and committed to help. It’s why we exist.
There is only one key outcome we need on March 3. The winner must be continued action on housing affordability — all forms of housing — for all Tasmanians.