New ABS figures show 2350 people were homeless in Tasmania at the 2021 Census

New number-crunching from the ABS provides further evidence of the housing pain being felt across Tasmania, with the island state claiming an unwanted gong.

Shelter Tasmania Executive Officer Pattie Chugg. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Tasmania’s homelessness rate is increasing faster than anywhere else in the nation, new data reveals.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released estimates of the number of people experiencing homelessness or who were marginally housed based on information from the 2021 Census.

According to the ABS report released on Wednesday, at the 2021 Census an estimated 2350 people in Tasmania were homeless, up from 1622 in 2016 – a 45 per cent increase.

Rates of homelessness decreased in New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Rates increased in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.

Housing Crisis. Photograph shows Scott at his home camp. Photograph Eddie Safarik. Homeless / Housing Crisis / rental crisis / Hobart / Tasmania

Tasmanian data from the report included:

– The homelessness rate increased from 32 people per 10,000 to 42 people per 10,000 – the largest jump in the nation.

– There were 569 children under 18 who were homeless, including 325 under the age of 12.

– There were 709 people living in severe overcrowding, up from 267 in 2016.

– 25 per cent of people who identified as homeless were staying in other households – the highest rate in the nation.

Shelter Tasmania chief executive Pattie Chugg said the data showed a dramatic rise in homelessness.

“From having the lowest rate of homelessness of all states and territories in previous Census years, Tasmania now has the fourth highest rate of people experiencing homelessness,” Ms Chugg said.

“Throughout Tasmania’s unaffordable private rental market, more and more people are being forced into overcrowded dwellings, with families doubling up in conditions that put their health and safety at risk.”

Ms Chugg said during the period covered by the data, the median cost of rent in Hobart had grown by 60 per cent.

Shadow housing minister Ella Haddad said the ABS figures were shocking.

“The housing dashboard data tells the same story, with over 4500 families still stuck on the social and government housing waiting list,” Ms Haddad said.

Labor has promised to regular short stay accommodation and urgently repair 215 untenantable public houses.

Mission Australia state director Mychelle Curran called on both the Commonwealth and Tasmanian governments to urgently commit to building more social and affordable homes.

Housing Minister Guy Barnett said the ABS data was disappointing but not surprising, and showed homelessness was an issue across Australia.

Mr Barnett highlighted projects underway across the state to address homelessness among families, young people and older people.

“The Tasmanian Government recognises that there has been considerable demand for housing in recent years and Tasmanians can be assured that we are responding by delivering the most ambitious and comprehensive social and affordable housing program in the state’s history,” Mr Barnett said.