ACNC Governance Discussion Paper
A consultation session is scheduled on the Australian NFP and Charities Commission (ACNC) for Hobart Friday 10 February.
Also an implementation discussion paper has now been released to seek feedback on the functions and operations of the ACNC, download here.
Closing date for submissions is Monday 27, February 2012.
AIHW Report - Child protection Australia 2010-11
This report contains comprehensive information on state and territory child protection and support services, and the characteristics of Australian children within the child protection system. Key findings include: Since 2009-10, the number of children subject to a notification decreased by 13% from 187,314 to 163,767; Since 2006-07, the number of children subject to a substantiation of a notification has decreased by 7% from 34,028 to 31,527 (6.9 to 6.1 per 1,000 children); The number of children in out-of-home care has increased by 5% from 35,895 in 2010 to 37,648 in 2011.
AIHW catalogue number (CWS 41) and is available from CanPrint for $32 phone: 1300 889 873.
Click on the link to view the media release and report.
Residential Tenancy Review – Call for Comment
The Minister for Corrections and Consumer Protection, the Hon Nick McKim MP, has released a Final Report and Consultation Paper as part of the review of the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. The Paper contains a series of recommendations for changes to tenancy laws in Tasmania and covers issues such as certainty of tenure, rent increases, rent bidding, standards of accommodation, maintenance and repair obligations, dispute resolution and water efficiency. The Minister is inviting written submissions from interested parties by 24 February 2012. Shelter Tas will be consulting with members to inform the Shelter submission early in 2012. For more information click to here. Or contact Shelter.
ACOSS National Conference 2012 – “Sharing the Wealth of the ‘Lucky’ Country”
When: 29-30th March 2012
Venue: Australian Technology Park, Sydney
Registrations are now open for the 2012 ACOSS National Conference – the premier national event for policy-makers, researchers and those engaged in social services or advocacy.
Early-bird discounts are available until the 20th of January. Make sure you get in early to secure your seats at our conference. Online registrations can be made by visiting the conference page website.
The conference theme is ‘Sharing the wealth of the lucky country’. Australians’ material wealth is booming but the proceeds are not being equally shared. New research shows that inequalities are rising in Australia. While the post-tax income of the poorest households is actually falling, the richest Australian households continue to earn more and more. A diverse array of speakers and session topics will include: * Tax and welfare reform * workforce participation * the rising cost of living * housing affordability * child wellbeing * improving health outcomes in Australia.
For more information visit our website or contact ACOSS Events Officer Louise Stanley; louise@acoss.org.au or (02) 93106 202.
ACOSS Budget Priority Statement 2012/2013
View Budget here.
National Hoarding and Squalor Conference 2012 - Pathways through the Maze - Sydney 21-22 February 2012.
Go to website for full information.
2011 NEWS
Extension to Support and Accommodation Assistance Review (SAAR) Period
KPMG and Housing Tasmania wish to advise that the period for submissions to KPMG on the Information Paper: Proposed models for the Support and Accommodation Service System has been extended. The revised submission date is: Monday 13 February 2012. Click here for SAAR documents.
Please note Shelter Tas will be undertaking consultations with members to gain your feedback and ideas on the Proposed Models for the Support and Accommodation Services System. We now have an extension to the 13th February but will need to start working on a sector response and possible alternate options/ models early in the new year. Can you please mark out the following times. All welcome!!!
North and North West Members - Wednesday 11th January 11.00-1.00 Anglicare Meeting Room 116 Elizabeth Street Launceston.
Southern Members - Thursday 12th January 11.00 -1.00 Shelter Office Suit 21 A Trafalgar Building 108 Collins Street Hobart.
Please RSVP by the 9th January to eo@sheltertas.org.au so we have an idea of numbers.
MEDIA RELEASE - Building more homes for the Elderly – Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor MP - 17 December 2011
The State Government has launched a project to increase the amount of affordable accommodation for elderly Tasmanians on the North West coast. The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor said five parcels of State-owned land and $1 million of funding were being offered for organisations to build accommodation for elderly people.
“This project will deliver more high-quality and affordable homes for elderly Tasmanians in the North West,” Ms O’Connor said.
“The State Government is taking action to prepare for the future and ensure we have adequate affordable accommodation for our elderly people. Download full media release here.
MEDIA RELEASE: CHFA Community Housing Industry Body Applauds Reunited Houisng Porfolio - 12 December 2011
Download media release here.
Community Housing Federation of Australia SUBMISSION on the Treasury Consultation Paper “A Definition of Charity”
CHFA submission in response to the Treasury Department’s consultation paper A Definition of Charity. Download here.
Homelessness Australia - SECTOR BRIEFING People turned away from Government Funded Specialist Homelessness Services 2010-11
On 15 December 2011 The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released its report on the number of people turned away from Government funded specialist homelessness services ‘on an average day’. Download full report here.
Housing Tasmania's New Organisational Structure
See Housing Tas Fact Sheet and Structure and Contacts here.
NATIONAL SHELTER MEDIA RELEASE – Changes in Ministry: Housing in Cabinet Where it Belongs
Housing Peak National Shelter would like to welcome the Honourable Robert McClelland MP as the new Minister for Housing and Homelessness within Cabinet. Chairperson of National Shelter, Adrian Pisarski, is pleased to see the Labor Government take a front foot with housing in Cabinet. "It is encouraging to see that National Shelter’s long held position, which is that housing belongs in the cabinet, is being acted on by the Federal Government”. Download media release here.
Shelter Tas MEDIA RELEASE – Peak Body welcomes launch of New resource to Support the Tasmanian Response to Homelessness
Parity is Australia’s key national magazine addressing homelessness, and has dedicated their November edition to how Tasmania is addressing the issue. Please download media release here.
MEDIA RELEASE – Takling Homelessness Together - Minister for Human Servcies, Cassy O'Connor, MP - 7 December 2011
The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor on 7th December launched the Tasmanian Edition of the National Homelessness publication, Parity.
Read full media release here.
Multicultural Council of Tas invites you to participate in a Community Consultation - 19 December 2011
The event is a forum for women and girls from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Download invite here.
Hobart Women’s Shelter NEW WEBSITE
The Hobart Women’s Shelter has been operating since 1974 and houses women over 20 and women of any age with accompanying children who have experienced homelessness or domestic violence. For further information Visit their great new website here.
MEDIA RELEASE – Consultation Begins on Regulation of Community Housing Sector – see attached
The Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib on November 23, 2011 welcomed the launch of public consultation on a national regulatory system for community housing providers. The consultation follows June’s agreement by Australia’s Housing Ministers to introduce nationally consistent regulatory arrangements to promote the growth of the community housing sector nationally. Senator Arbib said “This is an important element in meeting the increasing levels of unmet need in affordable housing”. See full media release attached. For more information about the consultation, including on line feedback and submission see www.nrsch.gov.au Shelter Tas on behalf of its members will be putting in a submission (due 20th January 2012) . Please contact Pattie at Shelter or email eo@sheltertas.org.au if you would like more information
Respectful Relationships Round 3 Now Open – Grant Alert
Respectful Relationships is a primary prevention strategy that seeks to prevent sexual assault and domestic and family violence through education. The grants are intended to support young people in raising awareness of ethical behaviour, to develop protective behaviours and to develop their skills in conducting respectful relationships. Applicants can apply for a total of up to $400,000 (over three financial years) for each project. Total funding of up to $3.6 million is available. Projects must be ready to commence from April 2012 and completed by June 2014. For further information please visit the FaHCSIA website: click here for website and more information.
2012 National Homelessness Services ACHEIVEMENT AWARDS
The National Homelessness Services Achievement Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions that community organisations make to supporting people who are homeless in our communities. The Awards celebrate excellence and innovation by organisations, services and programs responding to the needs of people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. To nominate, you can download the guidelines and nomination forms from www.fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 702 866 to order a hard copy. Nominations close at 5pm EDT Friday 25 November 2011.
Treasury’s Not for Profit Reform Factsheet – Introducing a Statutory definition of “Charity”
The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, released a consultation paper for a statutory definition of charity. The consultation paper can be found at www.treasury.gov.au
Submissions to the paper are due on 9 December 2011. Queries and submissions should be sent to NFPReform@treasury.gov.au
In 2011-12 Budget the Government announced that it:
- will consult on an introduce a statutory definition of ‘charity’ and
- will provide the new Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission with $2.9 million over four years to develop guidance, implement system changes for the definition and begin a process of re-assessing existing charities’ eligibility against the new definition.
View Charity Definition Fact Sheet and Definition of Charity Consultation Paper here.
An update from Housing Tas on the development of the Tasmanian Homelessness Charter
and Homelessnes Consumer Engagement Strategy Project.
Homelessness Charter and Consumer Engagement Framework
As you know Youth Development Australia has been consulting in Tasmania on the draft charter documentation and has received feedback and submissions. The next stage of this process will see the further development of the Charter together with a comprehensive discussion paper supporting our directions in Tasmania. This work will be completed by the end of 2011.
However, Housing Tasmania has reconsidered the Consumer Engagement Framework element of the current project on the grounds that it has become increasingly apparent that the timing of this process would be problematic, both in terms of the timing of the consultations involved and the possibility of service system change following delivery of the Support and Accommodation Assistance Review early next year. Instead, Housing Tasmania will consider how to reconfigure an approach to a Homelessness Consumer Engagement Strategy in 2012.
HOUSING COSTS THROUGH THE ROOF: Australia's Housing Stress
Australians for Affordable Housing have released a report on 24 October 2011 on Housing Stress. Over 850,000 households are in housing stress Australia wide, and more than 18,000 Tasmanian households. Download Report Here.
Monday 27th October 2011.
MEDIA RELEASE – Tasmania Acts on Housing Stress – Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor, MP – Monday 24 October 2011
Responding to figures published by the lobby group Australians for Affordable Housing, Ms O’Connor said she understood that Tasmania’s renters were doing it tough. Ms O’Connor said Tasmania was currently in the middle of the largest construction boom in affordable housing in a generation. The Tasmanian Government is taking action to reduce housing stress in Tasmania, including dramatically increasing the supply of affordable housing, Human Services Minister Cassy O’Connor said today, “For the first time since the Global Financial Crisis, the waiting list for Housing Tasmania properties has fallen below 3000 – a welcome step in the right direction.” she said. Download media release here.
National Social Housing Survey: A Summary of National Results
The majority of National Social Housing Survey respondents were either `satisfied' or `very satisfied' with living in either public housing or community housing and also recorded experiencing `benefits' from living in social housing-around 90% felt more settled and over two-thirds felt they enjoyed better health. Click on the link to view the media release and report.
Housing Strategy for SA - Green Paper Download document here.
The Green paper sets out South Australia's housing vision for the next 30 years. It proposes a set of key directions and proposals for providing housing and services into the future. Builders, developers, not for profit organisations, local councils, advocacy groups and others to provie ideas and support are sought after.
Media Release Common Ground on Homelessness – Minister for Human Services Cassy O’Connor Thursday 1 September 2011
Common Ground initiative’s New York–based founder Rosanne Haggerty arrived in Hobart for the launch of the ’50 Lives for 50 Homes initiative. The Common Ground model provides self-contained apartments and communal spaces, space for support services, training and education. The Tasmanian and Australian governments have together provided more than $26 million for the development of the two sites. Read media release here.
Media Release Public Housing Tenants Advised of New Rents Structure – Cassy O’Connor MP, Minister for Human Services 23 August 2011
Housing Tasmania have sent notices to Tasmanian public housing tenants outlining how they may be affected under new rent structures.
The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor said from October all Housing Tasmania tenants would begin moving to rents based on a flat 25 per cent of assessable income. Download full media release here.
Media Release TAS Government Reports NRAS Success
A media release from the Tasmanian Minister for Human Services Cassy O'Connor on August 4 2011, has touted the success of NRAS in Tasmania, with the Minister announcing that they are expecting over 200 new rental dwellings to be completed and tenanted by the end of 2011, and 500 homes delivered by June 2012 under NRAS. The Minister also noted that she would be announcing successful applicants for round four of NRAS in the near future, which is expected to see Tasmania exceed its original target of 900 dwellings by 2016.
For the full media release from Minister O'Connor please visit the Tasmanian Government website.
ANGLICARE TASMANIA - Launch of "Well and at home - Pathways out of mental ill health & homelessness' Report
On Tuesday 9 August Anglicare launched the report ‘Well and at home - Pathways out of mental ill health & homelessness’. The aim of the project was to help prevent mental ill health and homelessness in Tasmania and outlines 33 key recommendations.
As noted in the MEDIA RELEASE: Access to affordable housing is critical to preventing and treating mental ill health in Tasmania according to new research released by Anglicare.
“Homelessness can cause mental ill health, particularly anxiety and depression” said researcher Anita Pryor. The research report included more than 30 recommendations based on the advice of people with experience of both mental ill health and homelessness. “The main message we heard from the twenty research participants was that appropriate, affordable housing supports mental health,” said Ms Pryor. “Having a safe place to live is critical for people’s wellbeing. It was described as ‘a big mental sigh’,” she said. Download report here or call 62133555
TasCOSS Media Release – Shock Results in Annual Community Sector Survey
Community service organisations in Tasmania are experiencing unprecedented demand for their services according to the annual Australian Community Sector Survey released in Sydney this morning by the Australian Council of Social Service. Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS), Tony Reidy said, ‘Like community services across mainland Australia, Tasmanian community service organisations reported a significant increase in the number of people seeking assistance.’
Download report here.
Tasmanian Homelessness Plan 2010-2013: Coming in from the Cold Report Card
A report card has been released detailing the achievements so far under the Tasmanian Homelessness Plan 2010-2013: Coming in from the cold.
Coming in from the cold is a Tasmanian initiative under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness and outlines more than 80 actions to prevent and reduce homelessness. Click on this link to view the Report card
CENSUS 2011 - THE ABS People are looking for your help to find the Homeless on Census Night - How do we count the Homeless?
For the first time in Tasmania, roving Special Collectors will be employed in Hobart and Launceston. These Special Collectors will visit known homeless hot spots to count the homeless. Please send any known hotspots of Rough Sleepers to Georgia.chapman@abs.gov.au to ensure that we get the best possible count. How can you help?? If you come into contact with anyone that does not have permanent accommodation and is staying at a friend/family’s house, tell them to write “None” in the Usual Address question on the Census form. The ABS takes privacy and confidentiality very seriously and no personal information will be given to any other government department.
If you have any questions about the Homeless Strategy, please contact Georgia Chapman at Georgia.chapman@abs.gov.au
Homelessness Reform Newsletter - June 2011
Download Newsletter Here.
NATIONAL SHELTER NEWS
Towards the National Affordable Housing Agreement
Between March and June 2011 National Shelter held a series of roundtable discussions with key stakeholders in housing assistance and homelessness to encourage early engagement on the next National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA). Download report here.
Australia’s future tax system – Balancing our taxes to remove distortions in our housing system
A report compiled by Adrian Pisarski, Chairperson of National Shelter based on a report by Craig Johnston at Shelter NSW subsequent inputs from a range of stakeholders and informed by a national roundtable on the tax treatment of housing conducted in May 2001. Find tax review response report here.
Shelter Tas Media Release 17 June 2011
Private Rental Support Welcomed but Concerns for Tenants, Housing and Homelessness Services.
Read more, download media release here.
Tasmanian State Budget 2011-12
Find
Media releases for the 2011-12 State Budget and associated papers, fact sheets, budget sheets, guide to the budget and more - are now available online at www.budget.tas.gov.au and to View article...
Good News for NRAS Investors – CHFA Release about the Introduction of the Tax Amendment Legislation - Attached
NRAS recipients involved in non-entity joint ventures (NEJV):
Legilstation introduced and a letter of assurance from Minister Shorten. For more information, download
CHFA Release here.
Residential Tenancy Review - New Web Page
A new webpage with information about the Residential Tenancy Act Review is now available at http://www.consumer.tas.gov.au/renting/review_of_the_residential_tenancy_act_1997
A link to key stakeholder submissions is also available on this page.
Counting the Homeless Paper and Consultations
* Notification – Discussion Paper: Methodological Review of Counting the Homeless, 2006
. This discussion paper will form the basis for consultation with stakeholders, over the next three months with ABS’s initial review findings, with submissions sought by 30 June 2011.
The discussion paper can be accessed here: Discussion Paper: Methodological Review of Counting the Homeless, 2006 (cat. no. 2050.0.55.001)
Please contact Bob McColl on 02 6252 6233 if you have any queries regarding this paper.
* Homelessness Australia Sector Briefing ABS Methodological Review of Counting the Homeless 2006
Please click here to download a copy of a sector briefing from Homelessness Australia summarising the key components of the Discussion Paper released by the ABS. If you have any feedback/comments please contact Shelter Tas as we are currently working with HA on a response.
Consultation Session about the Discussion Paper: Methodological Review of Counting the Homeless 2006.
The ABS are holding discussion forums in each state and territory.
Date for HOBART – Friday 29 April 2011
ABS Hobart Office is the proposed Venue at 9am-11am.
Interested parties not attending the meeting in Canberra can register interest to attend one of the other consultation sessions, they just need to email their details and the city at which they would like to attend to <living.conditions@abs.gov.au>. They will be emailed with confirmation of the venue and the time of discussion forum. The dates for each public city consultation are shown on the ABS website.
Veterans Survey – Council for Homeless Persons (CHPA)
The Council for Homeless Persons (CHPA) is trying to get a better understanding of Veteran’s in our homelessness services. Below is the link to a very simple and short survey to complete. The survey will close on 29th April.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SLWLFHM
Welcome Home – Shelter NSW Conference on Housing for an Inclusive Society – 29 June 2011
Sydney, Wednesday 29 June 2011.
These key issues will be discussed by speakers, panellists, and the audience at ‘Welcome home’ – our conference on housing for an inclusive society:
What is the contribution of housing to an inclusive society?
Registrations are open until Thursday 23 June. An ‘early bird’ discount applies to registrations received before Thursday 16 June: click here to registe
MEDIA RELEASE – Re-issued New Supported Tenancy Service – Cassy O’Connor, MP Saturday, 2 April 2011
The State Government today announced the Salvation Army as the successful tender to operate a new State wide supported tenancy service for people exiting the justice system. The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor, said the supported tenancy service was designed to integrate people back into the community and was a strong, positive influence in reducing recidivism. Read full media release here.
Better Access to Government Services for Humanitarian Entrants. Media Release - Sunday 20 March 2011
The Minister for Community Development, Cassy O’Connor, today announced a review into the effectiveness and accessibility of Government services to humanitarian entrants to Tasmania. It was vital that new arrivals to Tasmania had access to a range of Government services and that mainstream services were fully accessible to people from non-English speaking backgrounds. The Minster also encouraged people to participate in the upcoming public consultations and to register on line here. View full media release here.
Impact of quality standards requirements – How much is compliance costing NGOs?
CALL FOR INPUT: Research into how much compliance is costing NGOs
The cost of implementation quality standards often with little recognition across standards is a major issues raised by Shelter members .We all know that significant amounts of staff time, money and organisational resources go in to assessing, complying and reporting against standards, but most of the not for profit sector’s information is anecdotal. Help put some hard facts around the anecdotal evidence and inform governments just how much this piece of red tape is costing our organisations.
Give a few minutes of your time to help complete this important piece of research: Click here to open survey. The survey will be close on 15 April, 2011.
National Shelter Media Release on Minister for Social Housing and Homlessness, Mark Arbib's Speech - 16 March 2011
For more see www.shelter.org.au and Download Senator Mark Arbib’s Speech here.
Hobart Women's Shelter & SHE introduce: KYSS (Keeping Yourself Safe and Sane)
A Confidential education and support group for women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. Fridays from 10.30-12.30pm HWS Centre, Glenorchy, view flyer here.
Cost of Living in Tasmania: Interim Report
Professor David Adams, Social Inclusion Commissioner provides advice to the Tasmanian Parliament in his report. Download report here.
The Hobart Women's Shelter are now running an Early Intervention Program
For women who are experiencing domestic violence and/or are at risk of Homelessness, providing a range of support. To view flyer and for more information click here.
Housing Australia FACT SHEET - UPDATED
The Housing Australia Fact Sheet - A quick guide to housing facts and figures, has been updated and can be downloaded here.
Posted 3 March 2011.
GRANT - Charitable Organisations Combine Grants 2010-2011 - Now Open
of equipment, promotional programs and activities through to large social projects. .Applications close 5pm Thursday 31 March 2011.
Please refer to the guidelines for more information about each category and assessment criteria click here.
Homelessness National Quality Framework – Service Providers ONLINE SURVEY
Consultation workshops seeking feedback on a National Quality Framework on Homelessness are currently underway across Australia. There is an online survey available and the direct link is here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LCF27DC
Recommended Reading - Youth Housing and Homelessness Services in ACT - A Look at the Literature and Best Practice
Discussion paper and Literature Review on Best Practice for modernising youth housing and homelessness services in the ACT has been developed to seek feedback on the development of a service delivery model for community provided youth and homelessness services. In particular to development of an integrated service delivery model, primarily for young people 16-21 who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. In light of the upcoming review of homelessness service in Tasmanian this is recommended reading, download here,
Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study - First time study into social enterprises in Tasmania
Are you a social enterprise or are you aware of a business, community organisation or venture that could be?
The definition is broad, but whether you call yourself a social enterprise or not, if your organisation or business has a mission to create public or community benefit and you conduct some kind of regular trading activity then we invite you to complete the survey and be involved in the first ever Social Enterprise study in Tasmania. Go to www.socialenterprisetasmania.blogspot.com to find out more and complete the online survey. Project fliers and hard copies are available by emailing socialenterprise@utas.edu.au
MEDIA RELEASE – A New Chance for Tasmania’s Homeless
The Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness, Mark Arbib, the Tasmanian Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor and Senator for Tasmania Carol Brown, on Thursday, 17th February 2011 launched two programs to help 100 vulnerable Tasmanians who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Senator Arbib said the Keys to the Future and Stay programs were funded through a contribution of almost $5 million by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness. Ms O’Connor said the programs would be delivered through local not-for-profit organisations Colony 47, Centacare Tasmania and the Australia Red Cross.
Download media release here.
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE – National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Children
Minister for the Status of Women Kate Ellis and Attorney General Robert McClelland announced on the 15th of February 2011, the endorsement of Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022.
The National Plan is a single unified strategy that brings together government efforts to reduce violence against women. The National Plan is the first of its kind to focus so strongly on prevention, including building respectful relationships amongst young people and working to increase gender equality to stop violence from occurring in the first place. See full media release here.
The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 is available online at www.fahcsia.gov.au
MEDIA RELEASE – Major affordable housing development opens in Huonville
A new residential development in Tasmania’s Huon Valley will provide 28 new two-bedroom units for older Australians. The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor, and Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins, today attended the opening of the new Pine Lane complex in Huonville, which received $5.9 million through the Gillard Government’s Social Housing Initiative. Read full release here.
Tender announced - Consultant Sought for Tasmanian Support and Accommodation Review
A Request for Tender was advertised in the Mercury and The Australian newspapers on Saturday 22 January 2011 to engage a team or consortium of consultants to assist Housing Tasmania with the Support and Accommodation Assistance Review (SAAR).
At the Specialist Homelessness Services statewide forum in December last year Mercia Bresnehan, Director of Housing Tasmania, outlined a number of reforms across social housing. An important piece of work Mercia covered was a review of support and accommodation assistance in Tasmania which is part of the Service Coordination and Improvement Program (SCIP).
The SAAR will require significant consultation with the homelessness and social housing sectors. A Project Reference Group and/or Working Group will be formed. Queries for further information, contact:
Suzanne Willis
Senior Housing Consultant
Housing Tasmania
62332916
Suzanne.Willis@dhhs.tas.gov.au
The Tender advertisement can be viewed at The Tasmanian Government Tender Website: www.tenders.tas.gov.au
National Shelter’s Report – Issues from the Henry Report on Australia’s future tax system for housing policy
Want to know more about Housing and Tax? Then read this recent report from National Shelter which covers the issues from the Henry report on Australia’s future tax system for housing policy. Download Report Here.
National Shelter Response to Cuts in Housing Programs
Adrian Pisarski, Chairperson of National Shelter, has responded to cuts to housing programs announced by Prime Minister Gillard.
“At a time of great need for affordable housing, both before and after the floods, the government has slashed the only programs dedicated to helping families in housing stress”, Mr Pisarski said. Prime Minister Gillard announced “capping” of the National Rental...Read more... »
Homeless turned away from Shelters
ABC News Friday January 28.
New figures reveal the number of homeless adults and unaccompanied children turned away from emergency accommodation in Tasmania remains high. The latest Report on Government Services from the Productivity Commission shows 63.5 per cent of homeless people were turned away in the 12 months from July 2008 to June 2009. This figure is down from 70.4 per cent the year... Read more...»
Media Release - New Housing Tender for Launceston – 29 January 2011
Low to middle income earners will benefit from the construction of five two-bedroom residential units in the Launceston suburb of Newstead.
The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor, said tenders had been advertised for the project on the former Punchbowl Kindergarten site in Newstead. Read media release here.
2010 NEWS
REPORT - Female, Single, Older and Homeless – It could be YOU!
A collaborative study and report by Homelessness NSW, the Older Women’s Network NSW and the St Vincent de Paul Society, August 2010. The study was prompted by evidence of increasing numbers of older women entering for the first time the homeless population and the concern of the homeless service system that demand could not be met. The study examined the evidence of the combined impact of housing trends by changing demographics, the impact of ageing, and entrenched financial disadvantage on women. The study concluded that being female, older, and single is to be at housing risk. Download full report here.
Vendor Disclosure for Residential Property Sales – Release of draft disclosure documents for public comment
The new vendor disclosure scheme will commence during 2011, once public comment has been taken into account. The draft Property Agents and Land Transactions Amendment Regulations 2010 set out in detail the vendor disclosure information that must be provided to prospective purchasers. Draft regulations, draft vendor disclosure statements, draft warning statements and background information are available on the Consumer Affairs web site here.
Implementing National Housing Reforms: A Progress Report to the Council of Australian Goverments from Commonwealth, State and Territory Housing Ministers
This report from November 2009 is a MUST READ for all people interested in Housing and Homeless Reform. It outlines the key issues and priorities for reform in 2010 including listing the 25 reforms to be implemented both Nationally and in Tasmania. Download report here.
Homeless Connect Media Release: Homeless - You're only two steps away - 12 Oct 2010
The Hobart City Council and Shelter Tasmania are working on ways of alleviating the number of people sleeping rough in Hobart. In a joint announcement today, the Lord Mayor of Hobart Alderman Rob Valentine and Shelter Tasmania’s Executive Officer Pattie Chugg said that the latest research shows we are all just two steps away from being homeless. See media release here.
 Community Capacity Buildig (CCB) Grants Program 2010-11 - The next funding round will open in February 2011.
The CCB Grants Program will be available to local government, not-for-profit community organisations and community groups through two tiers: Tier One is for grants up to and including $2000 and Tier Two is for grants over $2000. For full information and eligible projects and application documents, please click on link here.
Posted 19 August 2010.
Australian Housing and Urgan Research Institute (AHURI) - Latest Research
please click on link for report:
Final Report, No. 151: What future for public housing? A critical analysis
Positioning Paper, No. 135: Housing, public policy and social inclusion
Positioning Paper, No. 134: Age-specific housing for low to moderate-income older people
Tasmanian Launch of "Bringing Homeless in from the Cold" - Fri 24 September 2010
A 3 year blueprint to tackle homelessness in Tasmania was launched on 24 Sep 2010 by Secretary to Cabinet, Cassy O'Connor. The Tasmanian Homelessness Plan, called Coming in from the Cold, outlined significant actions to prevent and reduce homelessness in Tasmania over the next 3 years. The Homeless Plan can be downloaded here. Posted 27 September 2010.
MEDIA RELEASE - Setting the Agenda for Public Housing - Secretary to Cabinet, Cassy O'Connor
Media Release on 22nd September 2010.Secretary to Cabinet, Cassy O’Connor, used the Social Housing and Homelessness Advisory Forum to foreshadow a strong reform agenda designed to ensure that the public housing system is fair and available for those Tasmanians most in need. “In the coming weeks I will be announcing a range of energy efficiency measures, aimed at reducing day-to-day living expenses of housing Tasmania tenants,” Ms O’Connor said. For full media release see: media release.
Posted 23 September 2010.
New AIHW Report: A Profile of Social Housing in Australia - Now Available
A profile of social housing in Australia provides an overview of the different social housing programs that have been provided under the 2003 Community Social Housing Agreement. In analysing the functions of social housing during this period, this report provides a crucial evidence base upon which the National Affordable Housing Agreement and future policies can be built. For full report see here and media release see here.
MEDIA RELEASE - Ministerial Arrangements: An Opportunity to make some progress for affordable housing
Media Release by National Shelter on 15th September 2010. Adrian Pisarski, Chairperson of National Shelter has welcomed Mark Arbib as Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness and Tony Burke as minister for Population and Communities. Download media release here.
Posted 16 September 2010.
Community Organisations Housing Alliance (COHA)
COHA consists of the ACTU, ACOSS, Community Housing Federation of Australia Homelessness Australia and National Shelter. The organisations came together to advocate for housing and related solutions especially in relation to low and moderate income households and households experiencing homelessness. COHA sent a post election statement to the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader and the Independents. Read the statement and letter. Posted 13 September 2010.
Listening to Communities on Social Inclusion
The Premier, David Bartlett on 31st August 2010 released a report on the Social Inclusion Unit's latest round of Community Consultation. Communities have highlighted five key priorities: * building local capacity * taking account of local priorities in decision making * ending stigma and discrimination by recognising and embracing diversity * reforming government grants and funding processes * reviewing consultative arrangements.
The Premier said the cost of living was also identified as an ongoing challenge for communities across Tasmania and the Government has allocated $75,000 in the recent budget for a Cost of Living Strategy to help tackle this key challenge of social inclusion.
The Consultation Report can be accessed on the Social Inclusion Unit's webiste here. Posted 9 September 2010.
|
