Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Housing spokesperson
On the first day of winter, the Greens urge Housing Minister Roger Jaensch to step up and ensure homeless Tasmanians don't bear the brunt of another freezing winter outdoors.
In the past few weeks, Tasmania has experienced some chilly nights, but the months ahead will be even colder.
There have already been reports of homeless Tasmanians being turned away from Hobart’s Safe Night Space centre. As it gets colder, this shortage of space is unlikely to improve unless the Minister steps in to ensure it does.
While announcements of additional funding to support homelessness services were welcome, something is clearly not working if people are still sleeping on the streets and in parks at night.
With many hotels sitting empty, providing a warm and safe place for people to sleep this winter could be done easily - and immediately.
Every night a Tasmanian is forced to spend sleeping rough is one night too many. It is Minister Jaensch's responsibility to make sure no Tasmanian is left out in the cold this winter.