2024-03-14
Dr Darren Briggs | Lead Candidate for Braddon
In a housing crisis that is overwhelmingly hurting renters the Tenants Union of Tasmania is under more demand than ever before, yet hardly has enough funding to provide representation for the Northern half of Tasmania.
That’s why the Greens have committed to push for an additional $95,000 for the Tenants Union of Tasmania to improve representation for renters in North West Tasmania.
“As house prices keep going up, more people are renting for life – but right now renters are treated as second class citizens at the hands of the housing system that favours profits over renters rights to a home.
“The cost of renting a home on Tasmania’s North West coast has increased by a staggering $6000 a year, and as people’s basic human right to a safe and affordable home dwindles, more people than ever are seeking advice and representation from the Tenants Union of Tasmania.
“Despite all its hard work the Tenants Union of Tasmania barely has enough funding to provide representation for the Northern half of Tasmania. This is exacerbated by Devonport and Burnie magistrates court not having a duty lawyer present to provide advice and representation to renters, as is afforded to the Hobart and Launceston magistrates courts.
“The Greens want all Tasmanians to have a safe and affordable home where people can put down roots, and build a strong community no matter where they live - which is why I call on all sides of politics to commit to delivering Tasmania's Tenants Union the $95,000 it needs to improve representation for renters in North West Tasmania.”
The Greens have a plan to reform Tasmania’s tenancy laws to deliver real rights for renters, which you can read here.