Australian Government policy, and in particular the objectives of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing determines the activities that receive funding under the Remote Indigenous Housing Program.
Under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing, an audit of municipal and essential services in remote communities was agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments partners.
The key objective of the audit of municipal and essential services is to assess levels of outstanding need and clarify funding and service responsibility for the future delivery of municipal and essential services in remote Indigenous communities.
The audit will inform a report back to the Council of Australian Governments on a proposal for:
- Clearer roles and responsibilities and funding with respect to municipal (and essential services) and ongoing maintenance of infrastructure and essential services in remote areas; and
- A timeframe for implementation of new arrangements and for these arrangements to be in place from 1 July 2012.
The outcomes of the audit and the proposed transition of responsibility for municipal and essential service delivery from the Commonwealth to State, Territory and local governments could have a significant influence on future funding arrangements under the Remote Indigenous Housing Program.
Other policy issues that influence what activities will receive funding under the Remote Indigenous Housing Program include:
It is Australian Government policy that all significant capital investment on Indigenous land is underpinned by secure tenure prior to the provision of funding and commencement of a capital works project. This requirement applies to a range of Australian Government funded infrastructure including staff housing, office buildings, workshops, clinics, schools and other fixed assets.
Australian Government agencies can confirm specific requirements in the Administered Capital Works Funding Policy by contacting Program Frameworks Branch, FaHCSIA at helpdesk.servicedelivery@fahcsia.gov.au.
Australian Government agencies can also contact secure.tenure@fahcsia.gov.au for assistance with requirements. Service delivery providers should confirm requirements with their FaHCSIA program funding area.
- Native Title and Land Rights
Indigenous land issues, including native title rights and interests may have implications for the provision of Remote Indigenous Housing Program funding for the construction or major upgrading of assets. Any applicable native title or lands rights process must be followed.
Further information on native title and land rights matters should be sought from FaHCSIA during the scoping phase of the project.