Human Services Dashboard update shows housing waitlist blowout

Hobart’s housing crisis and the state government have been condemned as new figures reveal a massive waitlist for public housing and assistance – as placement times blow out.

• Expert warns government’s 1220 social housing commitment not nearly enough
• Morrison Government wrote off $157 million-worth of historic housing debt in 2019

PEOPLE who urgently need public housing face an extra three months wait, new figures show.

An update to the Human Services Dashboard on Friday revealed the average wait time for priority applicants increased from 51 weeks to 64 weeks a year ago.

The number of people on the Housing Register increased from 3478 to 3594.

The figures reveal 933 applicants were housed in the last 12 months.

Labor’s housing spokeswoman Alison Standen said the government’s record of announcements was not matched by its record of achievements.

Labor housing spokeswoman Alison Standen speaks to the media in Hobart on Friday January 15, 2021.

Too many people were couch-surfing or sleeping rough and an urgent policy reset was needed, including a house construction blitz to relieve an overheated market, she said.

“Over the seven years since the Liberal government has been in power, the housing waitlist has increased by over 50 per cent and the waiting time has increased by over threefold,” she said.

“That is a terrible reflection on a government that has failed to adequately plan and forecast and work hard to address a deteriorating housing system.

“There has been a blowing out of the number of people waiting for social housing by just over 220 families.

“So now nearly 3600 families are unfortunately waiting for well over a year – 64 weeks on average for priority applicants for housing in this state. By the government’s own admission, this is a return to the pre-COVID conditions.”

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said the figures revealed a return to pre-COVID levels of demand.

Human Services Minister Roger Jaensch. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“The figures are consistent with the current COVID-19 climate that is resulting in higher occupancy rates and a very low turnover of properties.

“We will continue doing everything we can to increase housing stock across the state and help those Tasmanians that need it, which is why the 2020-21 State Budget includes $300 million to deliver new housing and homelessness initiatives.

He said there was a big increase in public housing stock becoming available.

“At the end of September, there were 444 new social houses that were either contracted or were underway, as well as 174 new supported accommodation and homeless accommodation places,” he said.

“This will only increase throughout 2021 as more houses are delivered under programs like our $100 million Community Housing Grants Program and the Commonwealth Debt Waiver.”

Follow @DavidJKillick