New transitional housing to support more women and children

The Federal Government is delivering safe, secure homes for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in Tasmania.

Minister the Hon Julie Collins and Tasmanian Minister for Housing and Planning Kerry Vincent today announced more women and children will have access to safe and secure housing when they need it with $15.7 million supporting 37 new homes across Tasmania.

This funding from the Housing Australia Future Fund – Crisis and Transitional (HAFF-CT) program is dedicated to projects that deliver crisis and transitional housing.

It forms part of Federal Government’s ambitious commitment to deliver over $1.2 billion in crisis and transitional housing investment and 55,000 social and affordable homes across the country.

Family and domestic violence is the main reason women and children leave their homes and become homeless in Australia. Ensuring they have somewhere safe to live is critical to providing the security and stability everyone needs.

The housing will be delivered in partnership with Homes Tasmania and will provide exit points from shelters and crisis accommodation facilities. Homes will be fully furnished and t tenants will be connected to support services so women escaping violence have a place to heal, regain independence and reconnect with their communities.

The new homes will be delivered across the state, with the first homes set to be completed in October with the remaining properties coming online over the next 18 months.

Projects will be delivered by Homes Tasmania in:

Acton – 2 homes

East Devonport – 3 homes

Wynyard – 1 home

Glenorchy – 4 homes

Glenorchy – 1 home

West Moonah – 2 homes

West Woonah – 2 homes

George Town – 3 homes

Legana – 1 home

Rocherlea – 3 homes

Brighton – 4 homes

Longford – 3 homes

Sorell – 3 homes

Claremont – 3 homes

The Government is also backing reforms to tackle homelessness across Australia, including through:

$275 million through the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program and the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program to support housing for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

$9.3 billion to states and territories under the National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness, including $400 million per year in dedicated homelessness funding that states must match.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, Clare O'Neil:

“A secure place to live isn't just bricks and mortar, it's the foundation everything else is built on. For someone escaping family violence, it's safety. It's privacy. It's the chance to sleep without fear.”

“This is why we’re building and delivering hundreds of homes- which will help thousands of women and their kids then they need it most.”

“This is part of our plan to build thousands of social and affordable homes in every corner of our country for Australians experiencing or at risk of homelessness.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Member Franklin for Hon Julie Collins MP: 

"No woman or child in Tasmania should have to choose between staying in danger and having nowhere safe to go. This funding means 37 more homes across the state, so more women and children can leave violence behind and start again safely."

"These homes are going right across Tasmania, from Devonport to Sorell to Glenorchy, so women and children can get support close to home, wherever they live."

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Housing and Planning, Kerry Vincent:

“Having a safe and secure place to live can provide the stability people need to take the next steps towards a more settled future,” Minister Vincent said.

“These homes will be located close to essential services, public transport and community facilities, helping residents stay connected to the things that matter in everyday life.

“This is about giving women and children more than a roof over their heads. It is about providing a secure home, stability and support, and a pathway towards safe and sustainable long-term housing.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence, Jo Palmer:

“Reducing and eliminating family and sexual violence is a priority for the Tasmanian Government,” Minister Palmer said.

“We’ve recently announced important nation-leading reforms in this space, recognising every Tasmanian has the right to not only feel safe, but be safe in their homes and relationships.

"I’m incredibly pleased to see this investment in support for women and children affected by family and sexual violence."

Quotes attributable to Member for Lyons Rebecca White:

"Every Tasmanian woman and child deserves to feel safe in their own home. That's a Labor value, and it's why we're not walking past family violence, we're building the homes that give people a way out and a future."