Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Housing spokesperson
The government must recognise the ongoing difficulties faced by Tasmanian tenants and extend the state’s residential rental protections beyond their expiry date on 1 October this year.
Thousands of Tasmanian tenants are still struggling from the economic impact of coronavirus, but we’re already hearing stories of landlords threatening them with a choice of eviction or increased rent. That’s why we have written to the Premier and Housing Minister to urge them to keep these crucial rental protections in place.
If action is not taken, we will have a situation where on September 30 the Morrison Government’s JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments are cut, and the Gutwein Government’s rental protections expire. The need for action is urgent.
Right around the State, people are struggling to make it through each week. The looming prospect of their support payments being slashed at the same time as their rental protections disappear is frightening and extremely stressful.
Acting now to extend these protections will provide Tasmanian tenants with much needed peace of mind. On the other hand, delaying will place significant additional strain on the restricted income and mental health of people who are already under intense pressure.
We hope the Premier and Minister understand the seriousness of this issue, and take urgent action to guarantee continued support for Tasmanian tenants.