Landlords get $100k budget lift

THE Greens have questioned why the government handed $100,000 of taxpayers’ money to a group representing landlords in last week’s state budget.

The budget papers reveal a contribution of $50,000 from the Department of Justice to the Tasmanian Residential Rental Property Owners Association in each of the next two financial years.

The association’s president says the funding is a small proportion of that given to tenants’ groups.

The TRRPOA has been outspoken against eviction bans during the Covid-19 pandemic and in favour of land tax reform.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor questioned the allocation of funds.

“While on one hand the Liberals are neglecting the housing needs of everyday Tasmanians, on the other they’re giving tens of thousands of dollars to an incorporated body whose only function is to pursue further wealth for property investors and landlords,” Ms O’Connor said.

“The TRRPOA is not a peak body. It doesn’t provide services. It doesn’t represent a majority of property owners, and it isn’t the only property owners association in Tasmania.

“Why does it need government funding? Why isn’t this money being spent in an area of need, like helping the Tenants Union to open a northern office?”

Justice Minister Elise Archer said the government had provided money to various tenants groups.

“This set-up funding will allow the group to develop resources and build their knowledge and understanding of the Residential Tenancy Act,” she said.

“This will help to assist landlords, resulting in less disputes between tenants and landlords.

“The government has supported both tenants and landlords throughout Covid-19 and, as we have said, we will continue where the need arises.”

TRRPOA president Louise Elliot said the money represented about 8 per cent of that allocated to the Tenants Union and would be used to educate members on their rights and responsibilities.