Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Human Services spokesperson
For-profit, corporate housing developers will be able to secure Housing Tasmania homes for free or a pittance under legislation that has now passed through both Houses of Parliament.
The Homes (Amendment) Bill 2016 is the vehicle for the Hodgman Government to transfer Title on Housing Tasmania properties to private and community housing interests, with up to 500 Housing properties up for grabs in the first tranche.
It is clear that the giveaway of up to 500 homes is just the beginning of what will be enabled by this legislation.
By Minister Petrusma's own admission the value of this public asset to be given away is at a minimum, $78 million.
That's $78 million in public assets be effectively handed over to not-for-profit or for-profit housing providers and developers without any mandate.
There is no guarantee in the legislation passed today that the homes which are transferred will be retained in the long term to provide homes to low income Tasmanians.
There is also no guarantee that this public asset giveaway will increase the supply of quality affordable homes to Tasmanians in need.
Tasmanians, and Australian taxpayers, are paying a high price for the Liberals' willingness to sell the farm on an untested reform to unproven public benefit.