
The number of Tasmanians on the waiting list for public housing has blown out to 4468 families, the latest government figures reveal.
According to the latest data, an additional 101 families have lodged applications for public housing in the past month.
Opposition housing spokeswoman Ella Haddad said the data highlighted a "tragic and heartbreaking" trend.
Housing Minister Michael Ferguson said the state government had invested $615 million into social housing and was continuing to deliver a record number of homes to respond to Tasmania's housing crisis.
"Our record investment of $615 million into social and affordable housing, and homelessness initiatives, including our record election commitment of $280 million to extend our building program of new social housing for Tasmanians in need is the biggest in this state for decades," he said.
"This commitment will mean an extra 2000 new homes built by 2027, on top of the 1500 already on track to be built by 2023, bringing the total to 3500 new homes by 2027 to help our most vulnerable."
Mr Ferguson also highlighted the creation of jobs in building and construction.
However, Strike It Out founder Kirsten Ritchie said additional emergency housing was urgently needed.
"I'm sick of giving out swags, it just feels wrong," she said. "And seeing families in tents."
Ms Ritchie said she had engaged with numerous people living in Launceston hotel rooms, and said there were concerns that borders reopening would leave even more people in need of emergency accommodation.
Ms Ritchie's concerns come after Tourism Minister Sarah Courtney announced that more than 10,000 people had already registered for the Tassie Holiday Voucher program.
Ms Haddad accused the government of not keeping up with the demand for housing.
"We know that private rental prices are astronomical and unaffordable for most families," Ms Haddad said.
"Meanwhile, social and affordable housing, which is the government's responsibility, they're not keeping up with demand."
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