State Budget Community Consultation - Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance - December 2024
In December 2024, The Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance called for submissions into the state’s pre-budget process.
As a major service provider throughout Tasmania, The Salvation Army took part in the process, advocating for specific programs to be supported. With a specific focus on social and affordable housing, alcohol and other drug (AOD) recovery services, emergency relief, family and children’s services, family and domestic violence services, reintegration services and homelessness services.
Our Submission was informed by our frontline services; and made tangible recommendations for the funding the delivery of new and existing programs. Other recommendations called for whole of sector rethinking.
We call for the Tasmanian government to:
- Increase per-unit build contributions, expand social housing supply, and invest in community housing stock for low-income Tasmanians.
- Fund $100,000 annually for a Peer Support Worker to develop a peer workforce in AOD services.
- Increase funding for the Energy Hardship Fund to $500,000 annually to meet rising energy debt among vulnerable households.
- Provide $250,000 to bridge service gaps for families involved with Child Safety but not in Out of Home Care.
- Fund specialist Family and Domestic Violence case managers, develop risk assessment tools, enhance police training, and expand emergency and crisis accommodation.
- Increase investment in statewide reintegration services to reduce recidivism.
- Fund Key Development Coach roles and expand Street to Home services across Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie.
- Provide $148,000 to match RSL funding and expand services to northern Tasmania.
- Allocate $30,000 to continue the Health with Dignity program supporting healthcare access for homeless individuals.