The federal budget has provided significant assistance to prospective home buyers, but this generosity has not been extended to renters, a housing advocacy body says.
The government in this year's budget has decided to double places under the Home Guarantee Scheme to 50,000 each year for the next three years at a cost of $8.5 billion.
Under the scheme, the government guarantees part of an eligible home buyer's loan and allows them to apply for a loan with a deposit as low at 2 to 5 per cent.
The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation, in charge of the supply of affordable homes, will have its budget allocation boosted by $2 billion.
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie accused the government of prioritising an Australian space program over struggling renters.
"Somehow the PM rustles up $1.3 billion for an Australian space program, but he can't do anything to help with rent," she said.
"I hope to God the PM's planning to build houses on the moon.
"I don't see this budget doing much for housing affordability otherwise."
Senator Lambie said the granting of home loans with low deposits was a nice idea, but house prices were already too high and out of the reach of many.
"And prices will have gone up another 10 per cent in the time it takes to print these budget papers," she said.
"We need rent assistance. We need more housing."
Shelter Tas chief executive Pattie Chugg said only social and affordable rental housing would create homes for the growing number of Tasmanian families living under rental stress.
"Lower cost loans on their own aren't sufficient to generate the scale of social and affordable rental housing we need," she said.
"This budget has recognised the benefits of investing in infrastructure so it is disappointing that social and affordable rental housing wasn't included in their plans.
"With rising costs in the private rental market outstripping people's incomes, and a highly competitive rental market where many people across Tasmania are missing out, the federal government needs to boost funding to further support the state government's increased investment in social housing."
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Ms Chugg said it was positive to see $1.3 billion allocated for family and domestic violence prevention measures.
She said there was $100 million over five years to build safe places for frontline domestic violence services.
"But it is still unclear how much - if any - of the package will go towards much needed long term housing for women and children in Tasmania," Ms Chugg said.
Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O'Connor also said the budget neglected the housing crisis in the state.
"While there is plenty of cash for roads, roads and more roads, as well as some short-term bribery ahead of the upcoming election, there's no willingness to address Tasmania's health, housing, education and poverty remediation needs," she said.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
