Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Housing spokesperson
Housing availability and affordability in Tasmania is getting worse, pushing more people in to homelessness.
With a housing squeeze created by government under-funding and neglect, some unscrupulous landlords are making hay, with rents soaring to unaffordable levels.
We were pleased our move to amend the terms of reference for the Parliamentary Inquiry into Housing Affordability to include unchecked rent increases was successful.
In National Homelessness Week, it’s critical the Tasmanian Parliament indicates a willingness to look at all options to reduce housing insecurity and homelessness.
To limit the risk of homelessness caused by unchecked rent increases, the ACT implemented controls on unjustifiable rent increases. The current inquiry can now specifically examine and report on protections for tenants in the private rental market.
The Greens are committed to the current reporting date of the Joint Select Committee and, as always, will put in the work to ensure witnesses who present are respected and the work of the Committee runs smoothly and effectively.