Tasmania Overhauls Housing Authority Amid Performance Concerns and Tenant Woes

The Tasmanian government has announced a restructure of Homes Tasmania, the state's housing and homelessness authority, returning the responsibility for public housing construction to state control. This decision follows Premier Jeremy Rockliff's acknowledgment that the authority had not met expected outcomes. Concurrently, a public housing tenant in Launceston has reported ongoing accessibility issues with her property, highlighting challenges faced by residents.

Homes Tasmania Restructure Unveiled

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the restructuring of Homes Tasmania during his State of the State address to Parliament.

"Homes Tasmania hasn't achieved what we'd like to have achieved," stated Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

This change will see the responsibility for building public housing returned to state control, approximately three and a half years after the authority's establishment.

The new department, Building Tasmania, will assume the functions related to housing construction, previously under the Department of State Growth. The transition process is estimated to take between six and 12 months.

Background and Performance Under Scrutiny

Homes Tasmania was established in 2022 as a statutory authority, independently run but state-funded. Its initial mandate included delivering 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2032, primarily through collaboration with the private market, aiming to be an "innovative, agile and responsive" solution to the housing crisis.

Despite its objectives, the state's housing waitlist increased from 4,569 in December 2022 to 5,387 by January 2026. Premier Rockliff indicated that integrating housing functions back into a departmental structure is considered the most effective approach given these outcomes.

A review led by former New South Wales auditor-general Margaret Crawford concluded that:

Homes Tasmania did not fulfill its promise of "innovative, flexible partnerships to speed up the supply of housing."

The review identified limitations due to "duplicated and confused decision making and accountability."

Concerns were also raised regarding Homes Tasmania's methodology for reporting progress towards its 10,000-home target. The January housing dashboard reported 4,658 completed homes, of which less than half were crisis units, supported accommodation, or social housing. This total included categories such as vacant land sales, shared equity homes, and rental incentive grants.

Stakeholders Weigh In

Homes Tasmania CEO Ben Wilson stated that the organization had been delivering results, citing continuous efforts to increase housing supply amidst growing market demand.

Independent MP David O'Byrne characterized Homes Tasmania as a "terrible decision" that led to wasted time and money, and questioned Housing Minister Kerry Vincent on the restructure plan. Minister Vincent responded by focusing on accelerating home delivery and engaging with industry stakeholders.

Andrea Witt of Shelter Tasmania emphasized the need for increased investment from both state and federal governments to address housing provision. Master Builders Tasmania CEO Jenna Cairney stated that the industry awaits government guidance on future housing delivery strategies.

Tenant Highlights Persistent Accessibility Barriers

In a separate development, Sharryn Johns, a 51-year-old Tasmanian resident who uses an electric wheelchair, has reported being unable to access her backyard at her public housing property in Launceston for two years and four months. Ms. Johns had initially found the property accessible when she moved in during late 2017.

Sharryn Johns, a 51-year-old Tasmanian resident using an electric wheelchair, has been unable to access her backyard for over two years due to accessibility issues at her public housing property.

The issue arose after remedial plumbing work for a black mould problem necessitated Ms. Johns' temporary relocation. Upon her return in October 2023, a retaining wall and ramp had been installed in her backyard to address drainage concerns. However, Ms. Johns found the new ramp too narrow for her wheelchair, preventing her direct access to the backyard and clothesline.

Ms. Johns, who has a chronic neurological condition impacting her mobility and has resided in public housing for most of her life, stated that authorities were aware of her wheelchair use. She has reported raising the issue with Homes Tasmania on multiple occasions without resolution. A letter from an occupational therapist, reviewed by ABC, also highlighted Ms. Johns' situation.