More than 500 Tasmanian women and children escaping family and domestic violence will have access to safe housing through 37 new homes, funded by $15.7 million from the federal government in partnership with the state government.
Federal Franklin MP Julie Collins and Tasmanian Housing Minister Kerry Vincent announced the details of project in Hobart today.
The money comes from the Housing Australia Future Fund, which is part of a broader $1.2 billion national investment in crisis and transitional housing.
“Women and children escaping domestic violence in Tasmania should not have to remain in danger because they have nowhere safe to go,” Collins said.
“These homes are going right across Tasmania, from Devonport to Sorell to Glenorchy, so women and children can get support close to home, wherever they live.”
Collins said some women stay in dangerous situations because there is nowhere else to go, making the homes critically important.
The homes will be delivered by Homes Tasmania across 12 locations including Glenorchy, West Moonah, Brighton, Claremont, Sorell, East Devonport, Wynyard, George Town, Legana, Rocherlea, Longford and Acton.
Five homes are already under construction from an earlier $2.25 million federal grant, bringing the total to 44 properties.
The first are expected to be finished in October, with the rest to follow by the end of 2027.
Each home will be fully furnished with items like fridges, washing machines and beds.
Vincent said families would also receive personalised touches such as individual doona covers for children so they feel it is their own room.
“It is about providing a secure home, stability and support and a pathway towards safe and sustainable long-term housing,” Vincent said.
Tenants will be offered initial two-year leases.
Federal Lyons MP Rebecca White said the Hobart Women’s Shelter turns nine out of every 10 women away because it is providing long-term accommodation due to a lack of transitional housing.
“When a woman makes the incredibly difficult decision to leave violence, she should know there is a safe place for her and her children to go and a community ready to support them,” White said.
White said having somewhere safe to move is a real barrier for people considering leaving a violent relationship, alongside financial concerns.
The federal government has also introduced a $5,000 payment to support people leaving violence.
