Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens’ Leader and Housing spokesperson
Hobart rents are now rivalling Melbourne’s, in figures released today by Domain.
New statistics are being released regularly. They describe a tightening rental market that’s pricing Tasmanians out.
The rental crisis in Hobart is worsening, with fewer affordable rentals available than ever before and families being forced into homelessness. It’s alarming that Hobartians are without a roof over their heads and winter fast approaching.
The Liberals’ policy to bribe property owners to place a handful of properties back on the market for one year is a short-term response. It will only free up 110 properties statewide for a year. It’s not a solution, it’s a drop in the ocean.
Earlier this week, Minister Jaensch sounded as if he’d softened on regulation of the short stay accommodation. Disappointingly, that hope was shut down before the day’s end by government advisers.
If we are to free up properties for Hobart families, immediate restrictions on Airbnb in tight rental markets is essential. The Liberals must consider regulation if there is to be any immediate relief for Hobartians.
Government also needs to address unjustified soaring rents and move towards the ACT model and Greens' policy of rent increases being capped to inflation.