There were 21 submissions received on the bill with many calling for substantial amendments like legislating affordable housing quotas on developments.

There were concerns expressed on emergency housing developments, the creation of isolated suburbs similar to broadacre developments decades ago, and impacts on planning laws through giving the Planning Minister the ability to fast-track housing approvals.

Anglicare chief executive Chris Jones said affordable housing needed to be built for $180,000 or less and rented or sold at a price that didn’t place a household in housing stress.

He said the organisation recommended a minimum of 60 per cent of land released be provided for the low-cost builds.

With TasCOSS and Shelter Tas, Anglicare has expressed concern on the issuing of Temporary Emergency Residential Planning permits under the legislation.

“Anglicare is concerned that the TERP permits could lead to people being forced to endure inadequate housing in structures that, while safe and hygienic, are not required to meet the minimum standards of the Residential Tenancy Act,” Dr Jones said.

TasWater said, in a submission, the legislation as written gave the Housing Minister authority over issuing permits and does not incorporate requirements from the water corporation.

“From TasWater’s perspective, this could lead to the land not being able to be serviced, being serviced to a sub-optimal level and-or otherwise requiring TasWater to complete additional capital upgrade works in addition to works that are already necessary,” general manger for legal and governance Ailsa Sypkes said. 

Planning Institute Australia state president Irene Duckett said the definition of affordable housing was vague in the legislation and that the short-term action would do little to resolve affordability issues in the long term.