Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Housing spokesperson
The Greens warmly welcome the Premier’s announcement today that more support will be provided to homeless Tasmanians.
While the message to stay home is a simple one for many, for those sleeping rough it is impossible.
Too many Tasmanians have had no place to call home. Rough sleepers have been understandably anxious about the risks they are facing due to the pandemic.
The Greens and homelessness support services have been calling for government to ensure every Tasmanian has a safe and secure place to sleep during the COVID-19 emergency period.
While we would’ve liked this support to have come sooner, we are glad the Premier has made the commitment today.
It’s good to see the government providing support to vulnerable people during this pandemic. These same people must not be forgotten when we begin the road to recovery.
It is critical, when the Premier outlines his vision for rebuilding Tasmania’s society and economy tomorrow, that support for vulnerable people, such as those who are rough sleepers and living at society’s margins, is included.
We cannot allow ourselves as a community to walk back into a housing and homelessness crisis.
This pandemic has been truly devastating, but it means we have the opportunity to rebuild our society in a way that values and supports everybody. We hope the Premier embraces this opportunity.