The Hodgman Liberal Government is delivering on its promise of taking a strong stance against serious anti-social behaviour in public housing.
Under the previous Labor-Green government, the pleas of those forced to endure behaviour that left them feeling unsafe in their own homes were ignored.
This Government, however, will act to encourage good behaviour and help build more stable, peaceful communities by drawing a line to make clear what tenants' responsibilities are as neighbours.
Our three strikes approach is not about punishment; it is about protecting residents' rights to the private enjoyment of their homes, whether they are public housing tenants or those who live near public housing properties.
Over the past year, we have developed this approach in consultation with the community sector, including in particular Shelter Tasmania and the Tenants Union.
Housing Tasmania can now issue tenants with three strikes – or warnings – for behaviour that breaches their tenancy agreement. A third strike means the tenancy will end and that tenant will have to leave public housing.
Tenants may receive a strike for nuisance behaviour, substantially interfering with another person's quiet enjoyment of their home, harassment, hoarding, excessive noise, unwanted intrusions on another's property and unlawful offences.
Those who commit a serious offence, such as assault or criminal damage, will receive an immediate third strike.
Under the new approach, Housing Tasmania will continue to provide tenants with opportunities to improve their behaviour and avoid eviction, as the aim is to have no evictions.
A new rewards system will also be introduced to acknowledge the many public housing tenants who are good neighbours.
The Government makes no apology for acting to protect the majority of Tasmanians who have the right to enjoy their lives without the anti-social intrusions of others.