One of Tasmania’s most influential construction figures is set to take the reins at Homes Tasmania as the state-owned housing authority faces mounting pressure to deliver thousands of new homes.
Ben Wilson, the former CEO of Wilson Homes and Centacare Evolve Housing, has been appointed transitional chief executive for nine months.
The appointment follows a government-commissioned review by Margaret Crawford into the organisation’s finances and operations and resignation of previous CEO Eleri Morgan-Thomas.
Housing and Planning Minister Kerry Vincent said Wilson’s industry expertise would help speed up housing delivery.
“We need to be building more homes faster and Mr Wilson is an expert in the industry,” he said.
“Ben has a wealth of experience in the building and construction industry, social and affordable housing and also training the next generation of skilled tradies.”
Wilson has stepped down as chair of the Homes Tasmania board to take up the CEO role.
Former state minister Sarah Courtney will move from director to board chair for the remainder of her term.
Courtney, who held senior portfolios including health and education before leaving parliament in 2022, said the organisation was well positioned to deliver more homes.
“Homes Tasmania’s renewed focus following the Crawford review, and the appointment of such an experienced transitional CEO, places us in a strong position to deliver more homes for Tasmanians,” she said.
Wilson founded St Joseph Affordable Homes, Tasmania’s first building and construction social enterprise, which has trained dozens of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds as apprentices.
He also previously served as Tasmanian president of the Housing Industry Association.
The government has set a target of 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2032 and is 46% of the way there, according to the latest Homes Tasmania data.
Included in that data is 2,176 social housing and supported accommodation units, 1,145 affordable home purchases, 1,040 affordable rentals, 119 crisis units and 117 residential lots.
Both Wilson and Courtney will start their new roles on Monday.
