Homes Tasmania Restructure Announced
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the restructuring of Homes Tasmania, the state's housing and homelessness authority, acknowledging that it "hasn't achieved what we'd like to have achieved." The announcement occurred during his State of the State address to Parliament. The responsibility for building public housing will be returned to state control, approximately three and a half years after Homes Tasmania's establishment.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged that Homes Tasmania "hasn't achieved what we'd like to have achieved," announcing the restructuring of the state's housing and homelessness authority.
Background on Homes Tasmania
Homes Tasmania was formed in 2022 as a statutory authority, independently run but state-funded. Its initial purpose was to serve as an "innovative, agile and responsive" solution to the housing crisis, with a goal of delivering 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2032 through private market collaboration.
Despite its mandate, the housing waitlist expanded from 4,569 in December 2022 to 5,387 in January 2026. Premier Rockliff stated that integrating the housing functions back into a departmental structure is the most effective approach given the outcomes.
New Department and Transition
The new department, Building Tasmania, will assume the functions of the Department of State Growth, overseeing housing construction. The transition process is estimated to span six to 12 months.
Stakeholder Responses
Homes Tasmania CEO Ben Wilson maintained that the organization had been delivering results, highlighting continuous efforts to increase housing supply amidst growing market demand.
A review led by former New South Wales auditor-general Margaret Crawford indicated that Homes Tasmania did not deliver on its promise of "innovative, flexible partnerships to speed up the supply of housing." The review noted that the authority faced limitations due to "duplicated and confused decision making and accountability."
Criticism also arose regarding Homes Tasmania's methodology for reporting progress on its 10,000-home target. The January housing dashboard reported 4,658 completed homes; however, less than half were crisis units, supported accommodation, or social housing. This total included vacant land sales, shared equity homes, and rental incentive grants.
Independent MP David O'Byrne characterized Homes Tasmania as a "terrible decision" that resulted in wasted time and money, questioning Housing Minister Kerry Vincent on the plan for the restructure. Minister Vincent stated his focus on accelerating home delivery and engaging with industry stakeholders.
Andrea Witt of Shelter Tasmania emphasized the necessity of increased investment from both state and federal governments for housing provision. Master Builders Tasmania CEO Jenna Cairney stated the industry is awaiting government guidance on future housing delivery strategies.