Last month the anniversary of the waiving of Tasmania’s Housing Debt – in September 2019 – passed almost unnoticed. While this success has been somewhat eclipsed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains an important reminder of the power of persistence, evidence and systemic advocacy. For over fifteen years, Shelter Tas had called for debt relief, in our budget submissions, meetings with decision makers and media engagements.
We now see the result – instead of a repayment to the Commonwealth Government in 2020-21 of nearly $15 million, we can now invest those funds in much-needed social housing across Tasmania. Read more…