Housing Minister Felix Ellis announces ‘significant investment’ for housing in state budget

Government minister Felix Ellis has announced that the state government will make a $500m investment into “building an even better Tasmania”.

Housing minister Felix Ellis with Vonette Mead, Master Builders Tasmania, and Ryan from JDR Homes after announcing further funds for the house building sector. Picture: Supplied

Tasmania’s Housing Minister Felix Ellis says the upcoming budget will contain a “significant investment into housing”.

Meeting with key housing stakeholders on Thursday, Mr Ellis said the budget was focused on “building an even better Tasmania now and for the future.”

“The upcoming budget will have an additional half-a-billion dollars worth of capital investment for our housing industry and construction sector more broadly,” he said.

Housing Minister Felix Ellis. Picture: Elise Kaine

“We know just how important it is to deliver roofs over the heads of Tasmanians whatever their age and stage.

“It’s also critical we have a strong pipeline of work for our home builders.”

Mr Ellis said the key issues heard from Tasmanians were cost-of-living, health, housing and community safety.

“We will be investing heavily in those areas,” he said.

The budget will include investments “across the housing spectrum” and be delivered over four years.

The stamp duty exemption for first home buyers will be extended, and the two per cent deposit MyHome scheme will continue to be rolled out, as well.

Mr Ellis said continued investment will support the goal to deliver 10,000 social and affordable houses by 2032.

“We’re ahead of schedule at about 40 per cent of our target,” he said.

There will be a “strong focus” on supporting vulnerable Tasmanians needing crisis and emergency accommodation, according to Mr Ellis.

“We deliver around $45 million a year into that sector to care for Tasmanians doing it tough,” he said

“This budget will continue that investment, including the 74-bed new Bethlehem House facility in the South.”

Master Builders Tasmania board president Vonette Mead said the investment was “essential”.

“We know Tasmanians need more houses,” she said.

“We also know the building and construction industry is very good for Tasmania and very good for the economy.“