More housing for Tasmanians in need – particularly for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness – is a major focus of the Hodgman Liberal Government.
Our hard work to get the budget back on track and to grow the economy is now allowing us to reinvest the dividends into health, education and services for vulnerable Tasmanians, such as our Affordable Housing Action Plan.
Youth Homelessness Matters Day is part of a national campaign to create awareness of, and encourage action on, youth homelessness.
Today, I was pleased to join with staff and volunteers of Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT) and the Tasmanian Youth Forum, along with young people themselves, at an event in Hobart to promote the cause.
The Liberal Government understands the importance of investing in crisis and supported accommodation to address unmet demand, particularly for young people.
Our Action Plan includes a range of initiatives targeted at young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
We are investing $1.4 million in a dedicated Youth at Risk Response Centre to help young people who have been involved with Children and Youth Services and youth justice to break the cycle.
We are also trialling small homes known as Youth Castles to provide a safe stepping stone to independent living, and we are building Tasmania’s third supported youth accommodation facility.
The $7.5 million development in Devonport will provide supported independent living units for young people who might otherwise be homeless. This facility will add to Launceston’s Thyne House and Trinity Hill in North Hobart, which commenced at the end of last year.
Through our Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan, we are continuing to work closely with community service organisations to support vulnerable Tasmanians, including young people.