Shelter Tasmania

10/03/2026

A short and sharp eNews this week, in which we discuss the Premier's announcement in his State of the State address - stating that Homes Tasmania would be brought back into the folds of government under a new Department to be named “Building Tasmania”.

This information came as a shock to many, and there is currently limited information available. What we do know is this:
🔹 The Department of State Growth (DSG) is to be dismantled. 250 positions will be cut.
🔹 A new entity, Building Tasmania, will be created and will incorporate infrastructure delivery, roads, planning, and Homes Tasmania. This entity will be headed by current Minister, The Hon Kerry Vincent MLC.
🔹 A new entity, Economic Development, will be created to “keep driving the state’s growth agenda” and will incorporate some existing functions from DSG.
🔹 A new entity will be created and will incorporate Tourism, Events, Creative Tasmania, and Brand Tasmania.
🔹 A working group is being established to oversee the implementation.
🔹 No timeline has been publicly announced.
🔹 Full details will be outlined in the May budget.

We will be working with government and key stakeholders to ensure that the focus remains on supporting the housing and homelessness sector, who deliver essential services each day to the people of Tasmania. It is crucial in this time of fiscal uncertainty that government can provide clarity, stability and clear communication about the sweeping changes announced.

We also reiterated our congratulations to Jackson Hills, the newly appointed CEO of National Shelter!

To find out more on these important changes for the sector, as well as a media summary, and some more photos of last week's National Shelter meeting - you can read and subscribe to the Shelter Tas eNews here www.sheltertas.org.au/shelter-tas-enews/

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Jackson Hills, who has been announced as the next CEO of National Shelter!

Jackson brings experience from more than 15 years of leadership across the not‑for‑profit and community sectors, most recently leading policy and strategic engagement at Q Shelter, and serving as Deputy Chair and Executive Committee member for National Shelter.

With new leadership and reinstated funding for the organisation - there are exciting times ahead for National Shelter!

You can find out more in the National Shelter media release - https://tinyurl.com/mr2tewv2

04/03/2026

Have your say on the City of Hobart's draft Housing Action Plan 2026! Shelter Tas has been involved in its development from early on, working on positive steps that will improve housing supply and affordability in Hobart.

Now is the time to have your say - make sure to provide your feedback by the 23rd March and help shape the final plan 🏡
https://brnw.ch/21x0gjB

🏠Have your say on Hobart’s housing future!

We’ve released the Draft Hobart Housing Action Plan - a practical roadmap to help increase the supply and affordability of homes in our city.

🏘️ Hobart's housing needs are evolving, and your voice can help shape real, local solutions.

📅 Share your feedback between 23 February and 23 March 2026.

👉 Have your say today: https://brnw.ch/21x0gjB



[Image of Draft Hobart Housing Action Plan front cover.]

25/02/2026

We've been working with the Tenants' Union of Tasmania on a submission to the consultation process on the draft Short Stay Levy Bill 2025.

Both organisations have long advocated for significant improvements in the regulation and monitoring of the short-term rental (STR) market, together with the introduction of a levy. Here are the submission's recommendations:

1️⃣ Redistribute revenue raised from the Short Term Levy to increase the supply of new social and affordable rental dwellings with a guaranteed 25% commitment to regional areas, and/or
2️⃣ Redistribute revenue raised from the Short Term Levy to bolster funding of Tasmania’s homelessness services
3️⃣ Increase the Short Term Levy from 5% to 7.5% in line with the Victorian model
4️⃣ Commit to a review of the broader regulation of STRs, so that the permit system delivers sufficient funds to ensure monitoring and compliance with permits and exemptions
5️⃣ Empower local councils to manage and limit the use of entire homes for STRs where there is a shortfall of homes for residents and essential workers
6️⃣ Create a data matching system monitoring the number of dwellings currently available as STR that were previously available in the long-term rental market (CBOS-led)
7️⃣ MyBond to report monthly on total bond lodgements by LGA and/or region, so that the size of the long-term rental market can be monitored
8️⃣ Amend the definition of “short stay in relation to the premises” to capture the purpose of the stay rather than the duration and include stays in excess of 28 days
9️⃣ Ensure that the examples referenced in relation to the status of individuals/organisations accessing short stay accommodation are provided for within the Bill
🔟 Include an additional clause to the Bill to provide for a review and release of the findings after a prescribed period.

You can read the full submission and view our other policy work on the Shelter Tas website - www.sheltertas.org.au/papers-and-reports/

28/01/2026

A big congratulations to Adrian Pisarski on receiving an award as part of the Australia Day Honours List for 2026.

Adrian has been a stalwart of the social and community housing sectors, improving housing outcomes for so many Australians through decades of advocacy and policy work.

As the CEO of National Shelter until his retirement in 2022, he has also been a great friend to Shelter Tas, with a strong commitment to strengthening the national network of Shelter organisations during this time.

This is a well-deserved award for an incredible contribution to our sector, to vulnerable Australians, and the organisations that support them - congratulations, Adrian Pisarski AM!

16/09/2025

On Thursday 11th September, we gathered in Hobart with friends and colleagues to mark a significant milestone - Shelter Tas’ 50th anniversary.

Since 1975, Shelter Tas has been at the heart of a sector that has weathered many challenges and continues to serve as a safety net for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. During these five decades, Shelter Tas has been a steadfast voice for the sector and has represented Tasmanians at risk of or experiencing homelessness and housing stress — through leadership, advocacy, research and policy influence, as well as specialist workforce capacity building.

It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces from across the Tasmanian housing and homelessness sector in attendance, along with local, state, and federal government representatives (including Housing Minister, the Hon Kerry Vincent MLC), and colleagues from the national Shelter Network.

Our appreciation goes to Shelter Tas’ founding and life members, past and current executive and policy committee members, supporters from all sides of politics, colleagues at Homes Tasmania, and the broader sector. Your commitment and support has impacted the organisation in so many ways and helped make Shelter Tas what it is today - and we thank you for joining us to celebrate half a century of achievements.

During an evening filled with music and memories, there were wonderful opportunities to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead - to the next 50 years!

Go to https://sheltertas.org.au/50-years/ to explore a timeline and photos capturing Shelter Tas’ history, as well as a photo gallery from the event and a video presentation to mark our 50th anniversary.

03/08/2025

Homelessness Week 2025 is here!

In the first week of August each year, we take time to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face and what is needed to end homelessness. We also recognise and celebrate the outstanding efforts of the Tasmanian housing and homelessness sector - working to support those who need a place to stay for the night or a safe and secure long-term home.

Go to the Homelessness Week events calendar at www.sheltertas.org.au to see the details of events kicking off the week today:
🏠 Homelessness Week national launch and webinar (online)
🏠'Homelessness, Housing and Beyond' launch (Hobart)
🏠 Expo, presentation and morning tea (Devonport)
🏠 Panel discussion with housing and homelessness services (Launceston)

Don't forget to wear purple to mark this important week, and get involved with the ongoing campaigns that need your support throughout the year!

30/07/2025

Homelessness Week is a national event held each year in the first week of August, and it starts this Monday!

Being in the depths of Tasmania’s winter, Homelessness Week highlights the importance of having a secure, safe and warm home to go to. It also aims to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face and what is needed to end homelessness. As the peak body for housing and homelessness in Tasmania, each year Shelter Tas coordinates the week's events.

There's so much happening right around the State, and you can get involved by going to the Homelessness Week events calendar at www.sheltertas.org.au/homelessness-week-2025/. Host your own event, or head along to the many activities planned for the week - we'd love to hear from you if you're organising or attending an activity!

02/05/2025

Are you looking for a meaningful role supporting housing and homelessness services? We are seeking a Senior Project Officer to join the small but dedicated Shelter Tas team.

An experienced candidate who, like us, believes that affordable, appropriate, safe and secure housing is a fundamental human right would be an ideal fit. They will play a key role in providing project capacity and capability, sector analysis and expert advice to Shelter Tas and its members, to support systemic advocacy on housing and homelessness issues in Tasmania.

This Hobart-based role is for approximately 30 hours per week (to be negotiated with the successful applicant), paid at Level 7.1 SCHCADS Award, and aligned with a three-year funding contract.

For the full Position Description (including selection criteria) and Advice to Applicants documentation, please go to www.sheltertas.org.au, or view the job ad on Seek and Ethical Jobs. If you have further questions after reading all the information, please call the Shelter Tas office on (03) 6224 5488, or email Trish at training@sheltertas.org.au.

Applications close 5:00pm Monday 19th May 2025.

16/04/2025

Today is Youth Homelessness Matters Day - the annual national awareness day for youth homelessness in Australia, and a day of celebration, learning and understanding, and advocacy.

The 2021 Census showed that 25% of homeless Tasmanians were aged between 12-24 years (the largest cohort) and an additional 14% were children under 12 years old.

This Federal Election, Shelter Tas is advocating for more targeted funding to provide appropriate housing and support for young people at risk of homelessness, and young renters.

You can support YHMD by signing the Yfoundations petition, calling on the federal and state governments to develop a comprehensive national strategy to end youth homelessness. They are seeking 15,000 signatures – make yours one of them at www.yfoundations.org.au.

16/08/2024

Come along to Youth Arc this Saturday August 17th at 2:00pm, and watch your housing experiences and stories being brought to life on stage by a team of actors and musicians.

Playback Theatre performed 'Safe as Houses' during Homelessness Week, and are back for a second show. Have your voice heard and tell your housing story, then see it represented straight away onstage.

This is a free public event, supported by the City of Hobart. No need to book, just show up!

07/08/2024

How's your Homelessness Week going? Don't forget to check out the events calendar on the Shelter Tas website to find out what's happening right around Tasmania for the second half of 🏠 www.sheltertas.org.au