Action on housing – not slogans – is what Tasmanians need from Barnett
After nearly a decade of neglect by the Liberal Government, the fact that Guy Barnett now holds the critical portfolio of housing will bring little comfort to more than 4,400 Tasmanian families who languish on the social housing waitlist.
We have a housing system in complete crisis with people being forced into homelessness, regularly turned away from shelters, stuck on social housing waitlists, finding it near impossible to secure private rentals and facing house price rises in the top five in the world.
In his first media address as Premier, Mr Rockliff outlined the importance of housing for all Tasmanians.
The appointment of sloganeering Mr Barnett to this critical portfolio today puts in question Mr Rockliff's true commitment to housing and homelessness.
What Tasmanians need now is a Housing Minister who is up to the task.
What Tasmanians need now is a Housing Minister who is accountable.
What Tasmanians need now is a Housing Minister who can deliver on their promises and not just repeat slogans.
While we welcome Mr Rockliff's decision to sack his 'loyal' Deputy Michael Ferguson from the role, it is questionable if Mr Barnett is any more capable than his multitude of predecessors.
Ella Haddad
Shadow Minister for Housing
