Greens announce policies to fight off poverty trap

A GREENS government would cap rent rises, make eviction harder and boost funding for crisis accommodation and mental health supports.

Party leader Cassy O’Connor

on Friday announced the party’s poverty policy, which would also fund energy efficiency upgrades for low-income Tasmanians and extend concession payments.

“Tasmanians shouldn’t have to worry about how they are going to pay the rent, keep the power on or feed their family,” she said.

“More than 120,000 people are, however, living below the poverty line.

“Poverty in Tasmania is getting worse by the day, yet neither the Liberal or Labor parties are talking about it.

“The Greens, however, have a plan that puts struggling Tasmanians first.”

Ms O’Connor said the wind-back of state COVID emergency protections for tenants and the reduction of JobKeeper and JobSeeker had plunged many Tasmanians into dire financial straits.