The reports of respiratory illness from a Housing Tasmania complex in South Hobart are distressing. There is little doubt those tenants’ health is being put at risk by their home.
People who suffer from asthma are at greater risk from properties without proper air circulation, and mould can cause or exacerbate respiratory illness.
As the Government considers its COVID-19 rebuild, it must prioritise refitting public housing that is predisposed to unhealthy and chronic mould. We urge the Ministers for Health and Housing to champion public tenants’ health.
Secure, healthy housing is the basis for children getting to school, and regular employment for adults. Upgrading public housing is a direct boost to jobs in the local building and construction sector, at the same time as fixing the unhealthy living conditions of tenants.
Government should be a model landlord. The Gutwein Government could easily focus their commitment to a housing led recovery on including energy efficiency and respiratory health upgrades in public housing.
Many Housing Tasmania properties were upgraded under a Greens Minister. All it takes is political will.
As it maps the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, the Government must prioritise public housing tenants’ health. The rebuild can’t just be for the wealthy, it must benefit all Tasmanians.
