HAFF Round 3: Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum welcomes dedicated First Nations funding stream, more needed to close the gap for future generations.
25 November 2025 – The Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum (AHHF) welcomes the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of a First Nations stream as part of Round 3 of the Housing Australian Future Fund (HAFF).
It is the first stream under the HAFF dedicated to addressing First Nations housing outcomes and includes $600 million in funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing organisations, access to concessional loans, a First Nations concierge function within Housing Australia, and a 10 per cent First Nations tenancy target for new social housing delivered under this round.
The AHHF welcomes the stream’s alignment with Priority Reform 2 of the Closing the Gap Agreement: Building the Community-Controlled Sector, and its commitment to ensuring Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are central in shaping and delivering housing solutions for community.
AHHF Chair and CEO of Aboriginal Housing Victoria, Darren Smith, said the announcement reflects a genuine commitment from the Commonwealth towards First Nations housing outcomes and signals the beginning of a necessary shift in national housing policy.
“This is an important first step towards the scale of investment needed to address the housing crisis faced by Aboriginal people,” Mr Smith said. “It responds to years of advocacy from ACCOs at every level of government.”
He said the new stream strengthens the pathway for Aboriginal-led housing projects and acknowledges the leadership, capability and cultural authority of Aboriginal housing organisations to deliver culturally safe outcomes for community.
Mr Smith noted that unmet housing need remains significant, particularly in Victoria, where more than 7,000 Aboriginal households are on the Victorian Housing Register and where rates of housing stress and homelessness continue to rise.
“While this investment is significant, need is far greater – both in Victoria and across the country. To truly close the gap, the First Nations stream must grow in future rounds, and the 10 per cent target must be expanded as part of a long-term national strategy.”
He said this announcement should be viewed as the foundation for more ambitious reform. “With sustained commitment and scaled investment, we can build an Aboriginal housing system that is strong, sustainable and community controlled.”
“We appreciate the leadership shown in this round and welcome the opportunity to partner with the Commonwealth to build on this momentum,” Mr Smith said. “Every Aboriginal person has a right to safe, secure and affordable housing. This announcement moves us closer to that goal, and we will continue advocating until it is realised.”
The AHHF will work with the Commonwealth Government, Housing Australia and sector partners to implement the First Nations stream in Victoria, strengthen long-term sector capability, and establish future targets that reflect the true level of housing need in Victorian Aboriginal communities.
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Contact: communications@ahvic.org.au | 0456 622 885
The term Aboriginal is used throughout this statement to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
