New group to tackle housing crisis

ALDERMAN Damon Thomas will chair a new Housing with Dignity Reference Group to help combat homelessness and the housing crisis.

The group will comprise representatives from the three categories of homelessness, and people with a lived experience of severe rental stress or homelessness who are now housed.

The aim of the group is to strengthen the council’s engagement in affordable housing and homelessness while providing a voice to members of the community who may be marginalised.

Groups such as Colony 47 and Bethlehem House will also be invited to attend.

It is also proposed that the reference group will work with the Hobart City Council to review its housing and homelessness strategy.

Ald Thomas was elected to the role in a secret ballot at a council meeting last night.