Newly released data on Tasmania’s rental situation has underlined the need for urgent action from the Rockliff-Ferguson government to provide more affordable housing.
CoreLogic’s July Quarterly Rental Review has reaffirmed the extreme financial pressure Tasmanian renters are under, with rent in Hobart rising almost nine per cent over the past year and 2.3 per cent in the last quarter alone.
Hobart renters are now paying a median rent of $549 – leaving thousands of people at risk of rental stress or even homelessness.
Similar pressure is being felt right around the state with increasing numbers of private renters unable to afford their rent, slipping into homelessness.
The cost of rentals in Hobart has increased more over the past ten years than any other city in the country – by 63 per cent for houses and 62.2 per cent for units – outpacing every other city and both the combined capitals and combined regionals indicators.
The most affordable suburbs are well away from population centres, with Primrose Sands the most affordable for rental houses and Beaumaris the most affordable for units.
The increasing cost of fuel is making outer areas like this less affordable as well, as commuting to urban areas for work and school becomes harder.
Since coming to office, the Liberals have built just 1200 new social housing properties, or about 150 a year, which is not nearly enough to address the problem and give Tasmanians a roof over their heads.
As a result of its failure to deliver on its promises, this government has left thousands of Tasmanians to sleep rough through another cold winter and thousands more at risk of homelessness.
Tasmanians are already struggling with the skyrocketing cost of living. This government needs to start delivering the help it has promised.
Shadow Minister for Housing
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Minister for Housing
