Arson attacks on public housing cost department millions

Over the past five years, 176 Housing Tasmania properties have been torched, which averages out to 35 houses per year. 

As of February 28 this year, there had been 20 Housing Tasmania properties statewide that had been deliberately lit.

Cupania Street at Rocherlea has been targeted by arsonists a number of times in the past two years, with the street's damage bill more than $222,000 since January 1, 2018. More than 3200 applicants were on the public housing wait list in December, with people waiting 56 weeks to be housed. 

A spokesman for the Communities Tasmania Department said all incidents of arson were taken seriously.

"Arson is a crime, and it is extremely disappointing when houses for Tasmanians in need are the subject of arson attacks," the spokesman said. 

Housing Tasmania responds to and tries to prevent arson attacks by fitting houses with smoke detectors and remotely monitored security devices to high-risk properties and offer rewards up to $10,000 for information that leads to a conviction.

The department also works closely with police through the Officer Next Door Program and sharing information about potentially at-risk properties.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said arson attacks on houses not only endanger the lives of residents, neighbours and responders, but also reduce the number of properties available for Tasmanians in need.