Yoorrook housing truths call for urgent reform following report recommendations.
MEDIA RELEASE
3 July 2025 – The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum (AHHF) and Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) welcome the landmark Yoorrook for Transformation Report, and share full support of recommendations 86-90.
The report’s housing recommendations affirm the need for immediate structural change to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander* people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. These recommendations call for full implementation and funding of Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort: The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework, alongside dedicated Aboriginal social housing growth, increased self-determination in housing delivery, and a stronger focus on culturally safe, long-term housing solutions.
The AHHF and AHV call on all Victorians to accept the truths set out in this report.
Darren Smith, Chair of the AHHF and CEO of AHV, reflects, “The truths shared through Yoorrook are the reality of the Victorian Aboriginal community – of exclusion, overcrowding, and being locked out of systems that were never built for them. These are not just stories from the past, they are a mirror of where we are today.”
“Yoorrook has not only exposed these truths, but it has also offered a pathway forward. The recommendations are clear: implement Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort in full, and fund it properly. That means sustained investment in self-determined housing solutions, and recognising housing as a central pillar of justice and reconciliation.”
Mr Smith continues, “Addressing the housing crisis is a responsibility shared by all – mainstream providers, public housing, and ACCOs. Where government invests in housing that is Aboriginal-owned, Aboriginal-led, and culturally safe, the outcomes speak for themselves.”
The AHHF and AHV look forward to continued work with the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, to realise the vision of Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort – where every Aboriginal person has a home.”
The AHHF and AHV acknowledge the Yoorrook Justice Commission and all those who contributed. Their work lays a foundation for truth, accountability, and transformation – one that must be acted upon without delay.
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communications@ahvic.org.au | 0456 622 885
To read the final report, Yoorrook for Transformation, visit yoorrook.org.au
The term Aboriginal is used throughout this statement to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
