Empty Homes Levy

The petition of the undersigned residents of Tasmania, draws to the attention of the House:

• Tasmanian rents are at crisis point and unaffordable for many, the Housing wait list continues to grow with little hope in sight for those most in need, and unchecked short-stay accommodation has ripped significant housing stock from the rental market.
• There simply are not enough homes to go around, but some are just being left empty. Tas water data shows there are more than 2700 homes sitting empty across Hobart, Glenorchy and Launceston alone.
• The Tenant's Union of Tasmania and a collective of community sector organisations has called on the Rockliff Government to introduce a vacant property levy, as a way of encouraging owners to return empty homes to the rental market. This is tried and tested policy which would have zero impact on everyday Tasmanians.
• Thousands of Tasmanians are struggling to find a home or pay their rent. Any increase in available rental properties would deliver more homes and ease rental pressure.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to pass legislation to introduce a levy on vacant properties to increase the immediate supply of housing as governments have in Vancouver, Scotland, Ireland and Melbourne.