The Greens strongly support the Tenants’ Union’s call for legal reform to ensure Tasmanian renters with assistance animals don’t face discrimination.
While the government is progressing reform to tenancy laws to allow pets, their current proposal would still allow discrimination against renters who have assistance animals. That’s why we’ve told the government that if they won’t fix this issue, then we will move amendments of our own.
The cost of living and housing crisis is already hitting Tasmanians hard, especially when they’re trying to find an affordable place to live. Disabled Tasmanians’ needs, such as requiring an assistance animal, shouldn’t further narrow their rental options.
Tasmanian laws do not reflect anti-discrimination provisions nationally, which allow renters to have assistance animals. That needs to change. Tasmanians with assistance animals have the right, like anyone else, to a safe and affordable home.
The Greens have already developed and distributed amendments to the Government Bill that would make the changes recommended by the Tenants’ Union. We call on the Rockliff Government to come to the table and support these changes, so Tasmanians with assistance animals get the protection from discrimination they need and deserve.
