The Federal and Northern Territory Governments have announced a landmark joint $4 billion dollar investment for housing in remote communities across the Northern Territory to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The Prime Minister made the announcement during a visit to community of Binjari, near Katherine in the Northern Territory.
The 10-year commitment to improve remote housing will see up to 270 homes built each year, with the goal of halving overcrowding. It also includes continued support for repairs and maintenance.
In addition, the Albanese Labor Government is investing a further $120 million over three years to match the Northern Territory Government’s yearly investment to continue delivery of housing improvements and essential infrastructure upgrades in remote homelands.
This builds on the momentum from the Restoring Funding for NT Homelands agreement, which was initiated last year, with a contribution from the Federal government worth $100 million.
This funding is in addition to the Northern Territory Government’s existing $40 million per annum investment in homelands housing and essential infrastructure upgrades.
The delivery of much-needed housing across remote Northern Territory communities has accelerated significantly in recent years, with Commonwealth-funded delivery increasing by more than 200 per cent between 2021-22 and 2022-23.
A key target of 1950 bedrooms was met under the National Partnership for Remote Housing NT; and in 2023-24, 157 houses are on track to be delivered well ahead of schedule.
To support delivery of this landmark project, a Partnership Agreement will be established between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments and Aboriginal Housing NT – the Territory’s peak First Nations housing body, and Aboriginal Land Councils.
A further $1 million will be provided by the Commonwealth to Aboriginal Housing NT over the next two years, to support their role in this Partnership Agreement.
As well as supporting improved housing outcomes, this unprecedented investment will also create local employment opportunities and support the sustainability of Aboriginal Business Enterprises.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“We are committed to practical actions that improve the lives of First Nations people. Today’s announcement will improve housing conditions in remote communities and help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“This landmark agreement between the Commonwealth, Northern Territory Government and Aboriginal Housing NT delivers a significant investment in remote housing in the NT over the next decade.
“The Northern Territory has the highest level of overcrowding in the country which we are working to halve by building 270 houses each year.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney
“This government is committed to improving housing in remote communities and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“This is an historic investment that will make a difference to the lives of so many Aboriginal people living in remote communities.
“Increasing housing supply will ease overcrowding, which we know is a major barrier to closing the gap.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy
“Better housing for Aboriginal people living in remote Northern Territory communities is a top priority for the Albanese Labor Government.
“This investment is about long term support to deliver on that commitment and improve housing for families living in remote communities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour
“Our partnership with the Northern Territory Government, Aboriginal Housing NT and Aboriginal Land Councils will be the key to success in delivering homes for remote communities.
“Community consultations, local decision-making and community priorities will also be central to delivering these homes for remote communities.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler
“Today’s announcement will achieve unprecedented housing outcomes across the Territory. The commitment to build 2,700 homes in ten years means new homes for more than 10,000 people.
“The years to come will provide homes for remote area residents that are safer and more secure, as well as employment and training opportunities for those who live in our communities and homelands.
“This is a game changer for the Territory, as this investment goes straight into the hands of our remote communities and Territory businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo
“I am proud that our Territory Labor Government has delivered unprecedented housing outcomes in the bush, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
“Since coming to Government in 2016, we have made significant headway towards alleviating overcrowding in our remote communities, having built and upgraded around 3800 homes.
“As the Local Member for one of the Territory’s most remote electorates, I have seen firsthand the impact of better housing for those who were living in chronically overcrowded homes with 20 or more people in one dwelling.
“This investment will go a long way towards continuing our Territory Labor Government quest for better homes and improved health, education, employment and social outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to Aboriginal Housing NT CEO Skye Thompson
“Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT) welcomes this announcement and congratulates the Albanese Government on this historic investment. This is not just an investment in housing – it is an investment in people.
“Let there be no doubt of the significance of this investment. It is the single most comprehensive investment package into the Northern Territory’s remote housing and homelands sector. Its impact cannot be overstated.
“This investment will help ensure Aboriginal Australians across the Northern Territory are able to live with dignity and pride, where their kids can grow safe, healthy and strong and truly look to their futures with real hope and optimism.”