Ben Bartl says rent rises need to be regulated in Tasmania

Housing help is on the way, according to the federal government after the budget was handed down, but a Tasmanian advocate says there’s one thing Tasmania can do right now now to ease pressure. WHAT HE’S CALLED FOR >>

View over Hobart towards the Derwent River in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Included in the federal budget were a suite of changes designed to reduce housing stress on low income renters, but one of Tasmania’s leading housing advocates says there’s one measure missing that would go a long way in easing pressure.

An increase to rent assistance, extra funding for the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement and an extra $2bn to build more social homes were some of the big items funded on Tuesday.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Small Business Julie Collins in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Tenants Union of Tasmania principal solicitor Ben Bartl welcomed the $31 per fortnight increase to rent assistance, but said there was more which could be done.

“Let’s not forget that rents in the private rental market have increased by around $75 per week across Tasmania over the last two years,” he said.

“Rent increases need to be regulated as is already the case in Canberra.

“If it is good enough for those with the highest incomes in Australia it should also be the law in Tasmania with the lowest incomes”.

Principal Solicitor Tenants Union Ben Bartl at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Bartl hoped the state government would have more housing announcements in the state budget.

“The State Budget in two weeks’ time also provides an opportunity for the State Government to improve housing affordability by increasing supply immediately by better regulating the short-stay accommodation sector and encouraging investors to return their empty investment properties to the long-term rental market,” Mr Bartl said.

National Shelter CEO Emma Greenhalgh said the increase to rent assistance showed the federal government recognised renters were doing in tough.

“These measures are a positive sign that the Government knows people are dealing with multiple crises. But these only deal with the symptoms of the housing crisis,” Ms Greenhalgh said.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos NOVEMBER 29, 2022: Emma Greenhalgh, Chief Executive Officer of National Shelter at Parliament House, Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“We need bold and ambitious solutions to address this problem that will not go away by tinkering at the edges with a mixed bag of small measures. It’s positive that these measures will help those who need it the most, but in order to truly end the crisis, it’s time to see bold reforms.”

Housing Industry Association deputy managing director Jocelyn Martin said more homes needed to be built.

“HIA estimates that Australia needs 1.66 million additional houses by 2030, just to keep up with the demand from population growth,” Ms Martin said.

“Tackling housing affordability starts with making the supply of housing a national priority. Improving affordability can enable more households to own their own homes.”

Housing and Homelessness Minister Julie Collins said the federal government planned to build one million new homes and deliver 30,000 social homes over five years.

“As part of our plan to create more opportunities for more Australians to get ahead, our 2023-34 Budget builds on our existing housing agenda to help more people find a safe and affordable place to call home,” Ms Collins said.