The Australian Government recognises that housing standards need to be improved to help close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage in the Northern Territory.
A priority area over the next five years is to improve living conditions in 73 remote Indigenous communities across the Northern Territory through the $813 million New Remote Housing System.
The new system will be delivered by the Northern Territory Government in partnership with the Australian Government and will comprise four key elements:
- Stronger construction investment through the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP), a $672 million joint Australian and Northern Territory Government program that will deliver:
- 750 new houses
- 230 rebuilds
- 2500 refurbishments
- The introduction of a new and improved housing management system that will see houses in Indigenous communities managed under a public housing model that will include:
- a routine repairs and maintenance program
- waiting lists based on need
- tenants signing a tenancy agreement and paying fair rent for their houses
- a program of tenant support services that ensure tenants understand their rights and responsibilities and are supported to meet their obligations, including paying rent and maintaining their home.
- Ensuring appropriate land tenure agreements are in place. This includes:
- securing long terms leases in the 16 communities that have been identified for construction investment under the SIHIP;
- negotiating sub leases in urban community living areas also known as town camps.
- The transfer of responsibility for the delivery of all municipal and essential services from the Australian Government to the Northern Territory Government.
For more information on the New Remote Housing System, see the Northern Territory Government Department of Local Government and Housing website.