Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Over $250 Million in new Agreement On Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure

Joint Media Release with:

  • Elliot McAdam, Minister for Housing

A new three year agreement worth $254 million will for the first time combine the Australian and Northern Territory (NT) Governments’ Indigenous housing resources to help provide better homes for Indigenous families across the NT.The Agreement for the Provision of Housing and Infrastructure to Indigenous People in the Northern Territory 2005-2008 will mean that, from 1 July 2006, the Northern Territory will manage the funding for Indigenous housing and housing infrastructure.

“The new approach sees the Howard Government investing more than $200 million in Indigenous housing, while giving the NT Government the responsibility for building new homes and upgrading existing homes in communities where there is greatest demand,” the Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson said today.

“New homes will be designed to ensure they are safe, functional, sustainable and suit local conditions, and there will also be an emphasis on substantial upgrades, repairs and maintenance to ensure families have a safe and healthy environment in which to raise their children.

“This is a major step forward, with both governments working together to address the housing issues of many Indigenous families across the NT. The significant investment by the Howard Government and the expertise of the NT Government will help improve the lives of Indigenous families,” Senator Patterson said.

“The agreement is a significant achievement, as the pooling of these resources will streamline program delivery and will enable the Territory Government to be more strategic and effective in the delivery of Indigenous housing services,” Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Mr Elliot McAdam said.

“We look forward to working closely with Indigenous housing stakeholders, and the soon to be appointed Indigenous Housing Authority of the Northern Territory Board to achieve improvements in the quality of Indigenous housing and environmental health in remote communities.”