Paul Lennon

In my Agenda 2008 speech to Parliament, I set out a plan of action for Tasmania for the year ahead.

One of the key areas that I want to see action is in providing more public and affordable housing for Tasmanians doing it tough.

I have announced an immediate injection of $60 million into public housing, and I am very pleased that we have been able to commission one of the most respected authorities in the world to advise us on practical steps to combat homelessness.

Rosanne Haggerty is a highly regarded and sought-after global expert in this field, having worked in New York and across the United States, in the United Kingdom and in South Australia. 

She is the first in a range of world-class minds that we will put to work for Tasmania in the year ahead.

Rosanne has already begun work and was in Tasmania from 16-18 March, when she gave an address to Cabinet, visited homeless shelters in the north and south of the State, and met with key government, business and community sector representatives.

Rosanne will provide me with a written report as soon as possible on her view of the situation in Tasmania and how we can best fight homelessness here.

I have committed the Government to halving the number of people ‘sleeping rough’ in Tasmania by the end of 2010.

I want results.

And I am determined that we shall achieve this target.