The Rockliff Liberal Government has always said that having a roof over your head is a fundamental right which is why have the most ambitious social and affordable housing plan in Tasmanian history.
Today's release of the 2021 ABS Census data shows how widespread hardship is across Australia with increases in homelessness rates in all but two jurisdictions.
In 2021, Tasmania had the third lowest rate of homelessness at 42.1 per 10,000 people and below the national rate of 48.2.
While the data is disappointing it is also not surprising as our own Tasmanian Government data has shown this increase through the housing dashboard and we know there is still much more work to do.
''While the ABS figures show the rate of homelessness in Tasmania is the 3nd lowest in Australia, the Government continues to invest record amounts to help vulnerable Tasmanians,'' Minister Barnett said.
''Tasmania had the highest expenditure of all States for housing and homelessness of $327.92 per person in 2021 22, much higher than the national average of $230.62 per person.
''However, we recognise the barriers and challenges families can face in securing safe accommodation, which is why we invest over $36 million each year in specialist homelessness services.
''There are 18 homeless shelters operating around the state that provide crisis, transitional and emergency accommodation for Tasmanians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
''Homes Tasmania has more than 100 units of homelessness accommodation in its construction pipeline, which will deliver even more emergency housing for families in need,'' Minister Barnett said.
The Tasmanian Government, through Homes Tasmania, is investing in our young people through more shelters and more supported accommodation options.
This includes expanding our Youth2Independence (Y2I) program, with a new 26-bed facility under construction in Hobart, a 25-bed facility being built in Burnie and a recently completed 20-bed expansion of the Launceston site, adding to the 30 beds already in that facility.
The number of older people experiencing homelessness has significantly increased and we are investing in specific supported accommodation programs with Wintringham Specialist Aged Care. This includes an Integrated Aged Care facility that was opened on Hobart's Eastern Shore in September last year.
As part of the Tasmanian Government's election commitments, $20 million has been announced for the construction of supported accommodation facilities for older Tasmanians in the North and North-West of the state.
We are also increasing the supply of crisis and emergency accommodation for men and women around the state, including;
- 15 new units at the Launceston Women's Shelter that were opened last month, more than doubling the facility's capacity.
- Secure funding for the next three years for the Safe Spaces program state-wide.
- funding the construction of six additional units at Salvation Army Housing's McCombe House women's shelter in Hobart and 21 units for women aged 55 and over in Moonah, also with Salvation Army Housing.
- a new 50-bed crisis and transitional accommodation facility for men is being built on the site of the former Waratah Hotel, in Hobart, which will deliver a massive increase in capacity for Bethlehem House.
- funding the construction of the first dedicated men's shelter on the North-West Coast, that will provide housing for up to eight men with or without children. Construction of the Devonport facility is expected to be completed in May.
- provided $2.4 million towards the cost of building 15 new units of accommodation at Rokeby that will provide much-needed housing for older men who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness.
- The Tasmanian Government recognises that there has been considerable demand for housing in recent years and Tasmanians can be assured that we are responding by delivering the most ambitious and comprehensive social and affordable housing program in the State's history.
The Tasmanian Government recognises that there has been considerable demand for housing in recent years and Tasmanians can be assured that we are responding by delivering the most ambitious and comprehensive social and affordable housing program in the State's history.
The Government recognises the housing struggles facing many Tasmanians and is responding with a massive 10-year, $1.5 billion housing package – the largest housing investment in the State's history.
Our plan will deliver 10,000 new affordable homes and units by 2032 to meet the diverse housing needs of Tasmanians, including youth, the elderly, those living with a disability, men, women and families.
We also set an ambitious target to deliver 1,500 social and affordable homes by June 2023 and we are tracking well with over 800 of these homes completed as at the end of February 2023.
If you are at risk of homelessness, please contact Housing Connect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 800 588.
