A new report has shed light on the challenges young Tasmanians face in finding safe, affordable and appropriate housing.
The 2024 Tasmanian Youth Forum Housing Report, released by the Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT), highlights the difficulties young people experience when trying to enter the rental market, accessing housing support services and living independently.
YNOT CEO Tania Hunt said the report shows the importance of housing to young people’s overall health, well-being and safety.
“Young people have told us that housing is more than just bricks and mortar, that having a safe, secure and supportive home environment is essential for their social, psychological and emotional needs,” she said.
“The combination of unaffordable rents, high cost of living and age-based discrimination towards young renters is making it almost impossible for them to find affordable and appropriate housing.”
“Homeownership is seen as a pipe dream for many young Tasmanians.”
The report was informed by the experiences of young people who participated in the 2024 Tasmanian Youth Forum.
One TYF 2024 Youth Advisory Group member said that “too often, policy-makers assume they know what is best for minorities and make decisions based on these assumptions without consulting people from those minorities… in this case, young people.”
The report includes several recommendations put forward by young people, including greater financial literacy and life skills education in schools and communities, stronger tenant rights to allow pets and minor changes and the expansion of youth-specific housing programs and accommodation options.
