The Greens are glad to hear the Premier say he will issue an Order today to protect tenants in private or public rental homes from evictions as the economic impacts of the pandemic bite deeper.
We hope people’s anxiety about the current circumstances will be eased by knowing they won’t be left homeless if they can’t pay their rent because their household income has taken a sudden hit.
The Greens’ amendment to the government’s COVID-19 emergency response legislation last week included tenant protection from evictions and rent hikes.
We are thankful the Premier will be enacting the eviction stay today, and hope that rents will be frozen soon.
This will be a huge relief to people living in rental homes.
This is a difficult time for so many Tasmanians. We remain very concerned about the wellbeing of those who are sleeping rough and who may be found to be in breach of current restrictions through no fault of their own.
We urge the government to take a proactive and focussed response to ensure homeless Tasmanians have secure accommodation during this crisis.
This is a critical public health response. Leaving people in insecure housing means more transit and, ultimately, potential COVID-19 exposure to the community.
Our residential rental eviction amendment received tripartisan support and passed through the Upper House unchanged. The Order that will be issued today is an example of Tasmania’s elected representatives working together in this pandemic.
We hope the eviction Order being issued today will provide some relief for Tasmanians who have found themselves unable to pay their rent due to the economic shocks of COVID-19.
We also recognise many landlords are doing it tough and support government assistance to take pressure off landlords.
