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Following recent changes to departmental responsibilities, functions of the former Department of Housing and Public Works have been transferred to new departments. Work is underway to develop and update departments' websites.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan

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.​

"This is our opportunity to create the stable environment that is needed to close the gap." – ​Mick Gooda, First Nations Advisor.

To help achieve this vision, we’ve worked together with local communities to develop the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–2023 (PDF, 3.9MB)​.

The action plan is a response to the unique housing experiences and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

It details how communities, the housing sector and government will work together to put local communities at the centre of decision making.

The action plan aims to provide more support for:

  • people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
  • tenants in social and private rental housing
  • people seeking home ownership.

This is a commitment under the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017–2027.​​​​​​​​

Our focus areas

  • 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 plan 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.

A new 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.

Read more in our highlights overview (PDF, 2.9MB)

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Related Information

Last updated: 
23 March 2020