The Tasmanian Liberal Government is absolutely committed to taking action on housing and homelessness. We have a strong and ambitious plan, investing in a record $1.5 billion housing package, to deliver more than 10,000 new social and affordable homes in the next decade.
The cornerstone of our plan is creating a new housing authority to build those houses, ensuring it can be more responsive, agile and address some of the barriers currently being experienced to getting houses built quickly. The new authority will also deliver the most cohesive approach to homelessness and housing services in the country.
Our new authority will have the capacity to borrow and invest, and when established will have a more than $2 billion balance sheet to underpin the increased delivery of new social and affordable homes.
The Tasmanian Government has publicly consulted on draft legislation in June 2022 and has taken on board feedback from that process, with a Bill due to be tabled when Parliament resumes.
I was pleased with the positive feedback during consultation, showing we are on the right track to deliver improved housing outcomes and support for Tasmanians.
I want to thank all those who took the time to make a submission and engage during the consultation process. The feedback is important in ensuring we get this legislation right to improve housing outcomes in Tasmania.
One of the elements we asked for feedback on was an appropriate name for the Authority, and as recommended in a number of submissions received, the new Authority will be called ‘Homes Tasmania’.
This name reflects the importance of having not just a roof over your head, but also a place to call home, and the broader role that the authority will play in ensuring the wellbeing of those in need of housing and homelessness services, as well as in building liveable communities.
Subject to the passage of legislation through Parliament, Homes Tasmania will be led by a new Board and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Homes Tasmania Board will be critical in delivering social and affordable housing for Tasmanians.
To ensure we can meet our timeframes to establish Homes Tasmania by 1 October 2022, expressions of interest are now being sought for directors on the Homes Tasmania Board.
I encourage anyone with the relevant skills and knowledge and a passion for Tasmania and improving our housing outcomes to apply.
Collectively, the Board directors will need to have the relevant knowledge and skills to ensure that the functions and powers of Homes Tasmania are performed and exercised appropriately. This includes commercial skills and experience, and skills and experience in community development or welfare.
It is important to note that directors will not be appointed until such time legislation has passed through Parliament. Based on feedback from public consultation, it is my expectation that the Board will be supported by advisory panels, bringing representative views from both the community service providers and building and construction sector to advise the skills-based Board in undertaking their role.
For further information and to access the comprehensive Board Director Candidate Brief, please contact Watermark Search Internationalby emailing search@watermarksearch.com.au
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
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