Housing
Minister Michael Ferguson’s lack of understanding of the housing crisis
gripping Tasmania grows clearer with each media opportunity he jumps at.
Shadow
Housing Minister Ella Haddad said while the Minister smiles in front of the
cameras announcing drop in the ocean “fixes” to the housing crisis, thousands
of Tasmanians are waiting in housing limbo.
“Minister
Ferguson is simply out of touch with the reality of the crisis being faced be
people waiting to be housed in Tasmania,” Ms Haddad said.
“The
most recent housing dashboard data shows there are 4,464 families on the
housing waitlist, with priority applicants waiting over 58 weeks for a roof
over their head.
“And that’s an average. In reality many people are waiting periods of time far
longer than that, living in insecure and unsafe conditions while they wait.
“This
is a crisis, yet the Minister appears happy to carry on as if everything is
fine, today announcing that 150 grants have been issued.
“But
the problem is this is an area the Liberal government has consistently ignored
for nearly eight years, and now they are trying to play catch up.
“No amount of ribbon cutting will deal with the reality of the crisis they have
ignored as it has worsened under their watch.
“It’s
time for the Minister to start delivering real change. Last week Labor called
for a temporary ban on evictions due to the impact of COVID, consistent with
what was previously implemented in Tasmania to help those people who are losing
work and struggling to pay for rent, bills and food and Mr Ferguson should look
at this.
“More needs to be done to support vulnerable Tasmanians in need of a roof over their head and a temporary ban on evictions would be a step in the right direction.”
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Housing Minister
