STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator POLLEY (Tasmania) (13:22): I rise today to talk about City Mission, which is a place that does so much good work, as most people would know in our communities. The City Mission proposal for the Launceston Community Precinct is exactly the kind of bold, practical vision Northern Tasmania needs. At a time when too many Tasmanians are facing housing stress, homelessness and cost-of-living pressure, this five-storey multipurpose precinct will be a genuine game changer for our region.

The project will provide 36 supported social and affordable homes for Northern Tasmanians, with three residential levels, offering safe, secure and dignified accommodation. Just as importantly, the two lower levels will bring health care, emergency relief, community services, retail, a cafe and shared community facilities together under one roof. This integrated model matters.

People experiencing hardship should not have to navigate disconnected systems alone. A welcoming precinct that combines housing, health care, food relief, support services and community connection will help people rebuild their lives with stability, dignity and hope. I visited this precinct not just because of those services that are going to be provided but because this precinct is in the city, which means the people living in these homes won't need a car.

The reality is that too many of them wouldn't be able to afford to run a motor vehicle, so its location is very special as well. I want to acknowledge and thank the leadership of City Mission, particularly acting CEO Brian Beswick, general manager projects and partnerships Phil Beeston and former CEO Stephen Brown, whose leadership and vision have helped bring this proposal forward.

This precinct represents more than bricks and mortar. It represents compassion, innovation and a real commitment to making sure that vulnerable northern Tasmanians have the support they need when they need it and where they need it. Further to that, this precinct will have a practical influence.

It will make lives so much better for those who need support. We know the great work that's done by city missions around the country. They provide amazing service, support and assistance for people who are going through tough times.

The reality is that no-one, including people who have the privilege of sitting in this chamber, knows what tomorrow's going to bring—not for you as an individual, not for your family, not for your friends and not for your neighbours. As well, City Mission helps to break down stigma and barriers, enabling people to engage and rebuild their lives, which in turn helps in building a stronger community—one that we all can live in.

City Mission also currently provides Mission Health, which is an opportunity for people who are doing it rough, living on the street—homeless people—to go and get medical care. They have a nurse practitioner who leads that service, and they're open to ensure that people have the opportunity to get the medical assistance that they need when they need it. They also have a GP who gives their time.

Now, you would understand that the health of people who are living on the street and have been for some time deteriorates. The other issue that is a barrier for people reaching out to get medical assistance is building trust and rapport. This service provides all of those things.

I feel comfortable going to see the same GP and I get thrown when a GP retires and I've then got to start working through another GP. It's no different for people who are living rough, the most vulnerable in our communities. In fact, it's even more important that they have the support and the medical assistance that they need.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Blyth ): We will now proceed to two-minute statements.