Small measures a step in right direction, more is needed to Close the Gap
The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum (AHHF) acknowledges the commitment of the Albanese Government to ending the housing and cost of living crisis outlined in the 2025-26 Federal Budget, however much more is needed to close the gap and make meaningful change in the lives of Aboriginal people.
The Albanese Government has announced over $33 billion to date in total commitments; however, this year’s Federal Budget contains no new housing initiatives to support Aboriginal communities across Australia
The AHHF welcomes the $6.2 million investment in homelessness peak body funding, to be provided over three years, for research and sector development to enable systemic reform. The AHHF calls for a dedicated portion of this funding to be allocated to Aboriginal-specific peak bodies, to ensure a self-determined approach to advocacy and reform.
The AHHF reiterates its support for the $70.9 million provided to grow Indigenous Business Australia’s (IBA) Home Loan Capital Fund to allow Aboriginal Australians, particularly single carer families, to buy their own home. The funding, along with the expanded eligibility criteria, provides an opportunity for Aboriginal people to build generational wealth that they have historically been excluded from.
Chair of the AHHF1, Darren Smith shares, ‘’While we welcome the investments made to date by the Albanese Government, we know that without a dedicated and long-term strategy, the gap will continue to widen, and our people will continue to face an ever-escalating housing crisis.’’
“It is telling that a National Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Plan, that was flagged as a critical component of the Government’s housing strategy in last years’ budget papers, is not mentioned.We will continue to urge the Commonwealth Government to fund the development and implementation of a National Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Plan, using Victoria’s successful Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort Framework as a blueprint.’’.
As representatives of Victoria’s growing Aboriginal housing sector, the AHHF has long called for a dedicated funding round of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF). Ensuring that the Aboriginal-specific housing sector can effectively, and equitably, access the HAFF is critical to building housing supply and the delivery of safe, secure and appropriate housing solutions for Aboriginal communities.
“We know when ACCOs are equipped with adequate funding and resources, we are best placed to respond to the needs of community, creating lasting change,” Mr. Smith continues, “We need this Government, and all future governments, to invest in this truth. Without our voices and our solutions, closing the gap will be impossible.”
‘’Reversing the housing crisis that Aboriginal people face as a result of colonisation requires more than modest support. It demands systemic reform, sustained funding, and a clear roadmap for a future where every Aboriginal person has a home.’’
-ENDS-
Media Contact: communications@ahvic.org.au | 0456 622 885
*The term Aboriginal is used throughout as reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
1. Darren Smith is a proud Palawa man and currently serves as the Chair of the Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum (AHHF) and the CEO of Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV). He has been a foundational member of the AHHF and the Chairperson since its inception in 2018.
About the Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum (AHHF)
The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum (AHHF) is a first of its kind, self-determined voice for Aboriginal housing and homelessness. The AHHF is a consortium of 38 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Traditional Owner (TOs) groups and Aboriginal Trusts, who are delivering, or are interested in delivering, housing and homelessness services across Victoria.
The AHHF provides a dedicated space to engage in culturally safe planning, advocacy and action to progress the strategic objectives of Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort: Every Aboriginal Person has a Home, the Victoria Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework.
The AHHF works in partnership and collaboration with Homes Victoria, the Department of Treasury and Finance, and the Department of Premier and Cabinet to build the capacity and capability of an Aboriginal housing and homelessness system, and to ensure that every Aboriginal person has a home.Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort is the self-determined framework for Aboriginal housing and homelessness reform in Victoria. The Framework was developed by community, for community in 2020, to reflect the objectives and priorities of the Victorian Aboriginal community, and respond to community needs across the housing and homelessness systems over the next 20 years.
