Housing Minister Michael Ferguson's lack of understanding of the housing crisis gripping Tasmania grows clearer with each media opportunity he jumps at.
Shadow Housing Minister Ella Haddad said while the Minister smiles in front of the cameras announcing drop in the ocean "fixes" to the housing crisis, thousands of Tasmanians are waiting in housing limbo.
"Minister Ferguson is simply out of touch with the reality of the crisis being faced be people waiting to be housed in Tasmania," Ms Haddad said.
"The most recent housing dashboard data shows there are 4,464 families on the housing waitlist, with priority applicants waiting over 58 weeks for a roof over their head.
"And that's an average. In reality many people are waiting periods of time far longer than that, living in insecure and unsafe conditions while they wait.
"This is a crisis, yet the Minister appears happy to carry on as if everything is fine, today announcing that 150 grants have been issued.
"But the problem is this is an area the Liberal government has consistently ignored for nearly eight years, and now they are trying to play catch up.
"No amount of ribbon cutting will deal with the reality of the crisis they have ignored as it has worsened under their watch.
"It's time for the Minister to start delivering real change. Last week Labor called for a temporary ban on evictions due to the impact of COVID, consistent with what was previously implemented in Tasmania to help those people who are losing work and struggling to pay for rent, bills and food and Mr Ferguson should look at this.
"More needs to be done to support vulnerable Tasmanians in need of a roof over their head and a temporary ban on evictions would be a step in the right direction."
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Housing Minister
