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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing

Working together for a better housing future

Our vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders have access to safe, appropriate and sustainable housing that provides the foundation to close the gap, and improves health, safety, wellbeing, education and economic outcomes.​

In response to the unique housing experiences and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019 -2023 was launched in 2019.

Through the Queensland Housing Strategy Action Plan 2021-2025 (PDF, 3466.73 KB), we will continue to close the gap for First Nations peoples by delivering tailored housing responses and building on work already delivered under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–2023.​ (PDF, 3866.57 KB)

Through these Action Plans, the Queensland Government is working with the First Nations of Queensland through a reframed relationship that reflects our commitment to listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about their housing concerns and aspirations for a better future.

Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, we are drawing on their deep connection to family, community and culture, to negotiate and develop solutions together to complex issues.

We know that alongside government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must determine, drive and own decision-making about matters that impact their lives, families and communities. This is vital to closing the gap and achieving real change and outcomes.

This Housing Action Plan 2021 – 2025 aligns with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019 - 2023, building on foundations for further developing our key partnerships, growth opportunities, integration with support services and communities, and a safer and fairer housing system.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019-2023 is well underway with initiatives being progressed. This includes the launch of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland, the peak body working with Indigenous community housing organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils focusing on all matters regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing and homelessness in Queensland.

The focus areas

Introduced through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019-2023, these themes form the basis of the actions to be delivered through the Queensland Housing Strategy Action Plan 2021-2025.

  • Place-based responses: Empowering communities to develop local solutions
  • Person-centred responses: Services and support to meet people’s needs
  • A stronger sector: Create a strong and diverse housing sector

Our shared principles

The delivery of the action plans will be guided by these principles:

  • Housing is a right: Every Queenslander should have access to safe, appropriate and sustainable housing.
  • Empowering local solutions: Local communities will be at the centre of decision-making about local housing services.
  • Helping those in need: Housing assistance will target those most in need.
  • Culture is the key to opening doors for all: Culturally responsive housing services will be developed, in partnership with communities, using the best available evidence.
  • Shared responsibility: Maintenance of housing is the shared responsibility of housing providers, families and individuals.
  • Communities should benefit: The delivery of housing assistance programs will increase local job, training and business opportunities.

Our way of working

Shared leadership and informed local decision-making will lead to better housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

This means reframing the way local communities, government and the housing sector work together, collaborating to create stronger housing outcomes and appreciating each other’s strengths and differences.

With this in mind, we will:

  • co-design policies and programs in remote and discrete communities
  • work closely with local residents, stakeholders and funding bodies in urban and regional communities to support community leadership and self-determination.

Partnering together on new initiatives will deliver responsive housing services and better outcomes for communities.

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Related Information

Last updated: 
10 June 2021