Krista and Adam Lindsay were told they could split up their family to secure social housing

A Tasmanian couple say they were left outraged after it was suggested to them they split their family in order to secure housing. Read their story.

Married couple Adam and Krista Lindsay of Herdsmans Cove who are in need of social housing however in desperation have copped a large rent increase at their current home with a new lease rather than be homeless. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A Herdsmans Cove couple who have been on the housing waiting list for nearly four years, say they were told to split up their family to make it easier to secure housing.

Krista Lindsay lives with multiple sclerosis and requires a home with an accessible shower.

Her family budget has been stretched thin to be able to afford her medication and to put food on the table, which is why she and her husband applied for social housing.

Ms Lindsay and her husband Adam spoke to media two months ago about their situation, but nothing came of their plea for help.

Now they’ve been forced to sign on to their lease for another 12 months and accept a rent increase.

Krista Lindsay speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

“We feel as though we were waited out to take that lease,” Ms Lindsay said.

“We now have taken a lease of an extra $80 [a week] … we now pay rent almost 50 per cent our income.

“Living shouldn’t be like a game of Monopoly, where the only option is landing on Mayfair.”

Ms Lindsay said she spoke with a housing support worker every week, who suggested splitting the family twins.

“[They suggested] having our, at the time, 17-year-old children apply separately for a house to be moved into a two-bedroom and for us to be moved to a two-bedroom,” Ms Lindsay said.

“They’re still in college. That’s outrageous. To separate a family is not acceptable.”

The family might be taken off the waitlist.

“[The support worker] put out there he wants to close our case for support, as his words were ‘we have exhausted all options’,” she said.

Mr Lindsay said he’d been homeless more than 20 years ago, an experience he doesn’t want for his children.

“I feel sorry for anyone forced into homelessness in Tasmania, it was very cold sleeping in the car,” he said

“To have to take care of a child or pet would be tough.”

Labor’s housing spokesperson Ella Haddad said the family had been let down.

“Even sharing their story two months ago has not had a result despite being promised by the former minister for housing,” Ms Haddad said.

Labor member for Clark Ella Haddad Shadow Minister for Housing. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“People shouldn’t have to speak to the media or to politicians or to join us in parliament to tell their story.”

A Homes Tasmania spokesperson said: “Families seeking social housing through Housing Connect are offered a range of supports and suggestions to maximise their opportunities to secure safe and affordable housing.”

Housing and construction minister Nic Street acknowledged the family’s circumstances were challenging.

“I understand that they are currently in a home, and have support options available to them, and we will continue to ensure this continues,” Mr Street said.

“As with all applicants on the housing register, they are encouraged to remain in contact with their community housing provider CatholicCare and Housing Connect who are best placed to provide them with support.”

A Homes Tasmania spokesperson said “Families seeking social housing through Housing Connect are offered a range of supports and suggestions to maximise their opportunities to secure safe and affordable housing.”

Originally published as Krista and Adam Lindsay were told they could split up their family to secure social housing