Guy Barnett,Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing
The Tasmanian Government is working to support Tasmanian tenants who are progressively exiting from the Australian Government’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Rental Affordability Scheme
This scheme was an initiative of a former Australian Labor Government and has different eligibility criteria than housing programs in Tasmania, however where possible, the Tasmanian Government is looking to provide assistance to those tenants.
I understand the anxiety that the winding up of this program is having on some Tasmanians, a situation being felt by tenants across the country.
As such, I will be writing to the new Federal Housing Minister once sworn in next week about this important matter, as well as how we will work together to tackle housing affordability and homelessness.
In addition, we are encouraging anyone impacted who need assistance to contact Housing Connect to test their eligibility for the Private Rental Incentive Program and other programs that offer a wide range of support and assistance.
To support these tenants, the Tasmanian Government has made changes to the Private Rental Incentive Program to enable tenanted properties exiting from NRAS to be considered eligible for assessment under the state provided program.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government 2022-2023 Budget includes $9.25 million to expand the program for this purpose.
The Government offers assistance under this program for those who are eligible according to income thresholds and encourages any Tasmanian who may be concerned about their housing situation, including NRAS support, should contact Housing Connect.
Housing Connect is best placed to provide assistance appropriate to each individual’s circumstances and advise on what assistance could be available for them in their situation. Housing Connect can be contacted on 1800 800 588.
I call on the Tasmanian Labor Opposition to reach out to their counterparts in Canberra and raise their concerns to help those Tasmanians in need.
