The Tasmanian Government remains committed to growing the level of affordable housing in the state, while getting the best value for money, the Minister for Human Services, Cassy O'Connor said today.

 

Ms O'Connor told today's Budget Estimates that the Government made the decision to wind up Tasmanian Affordable Housing Limited because there were more cost-effective ways to deliver new affordable housing around the State.

 

"This was a difficult decision, and it wasn't taken lightly," Ms O'Connor said.

 

Ms O'Connor said that through the TAHL model, privately-owned homes were sublet through Tasmanian Affordable Housing Limited.

 

"But the simple fact is that through programs like the National Rental Affordability Scheme, we have more effective, affordable ways of delivering affordable housing."

 

"The Government is honouring all of TAHL's five year leases," she said.

 

"No tenant under a current lease will be terminated.

 

"When the five year leases expire, we will assist tenants with new arrangements.

 

She said each of the six tenants whose leases have expired so far this year had either found new homes, or negotiated a new lease with the property owner.

 

"Through Housing Choices Tasmania, we are working with those tenants who have been affected to help them either find alternative accommodation or renegotiate a new arrangement as their lease comes to an end," she said.

 

Ms O'Connor said the Government's commitment to affordable housing was reflected by the unprecedented investment in new, affordable homes for Tasmanians.

 

"Since January 2009, in conjunction with the Commonwealth, we've delivered more than 1,200 new affordable homes and we remain on track to exceed our ambitious target of 1,400 new homes by the end of next month.

 

"We will continue to work to capitalise on this major investment and deliver new homes and support networks to help disadvantaged Tasmanians struggling to get a roof over their heads.

 

"And through reform of public housing, we are working to transfer up to 4,000 homes to the community sector - delivering a greater range of choice and access to better services to our public housing tenants.

 

"Management of the homes will be delivered through locally-based community housing organisations, thereby ensuring tenants have more say over local decision making."