The Albanese Labor Government will deliver significant investment in First Nations housing through the Housing Australia Future Fund, with $600 million committed in Round 3 to improving housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This commitment further strengthens the community-controlled housing sector and embeds Closing the Gap priorities at the heart of the Government's housing agenda.
Expressions of Interest are now open for Round 3 which includes a dedicated First Nations funding stream designed in genuine partnership with First Nations organisations, ensuring communities have access to safe, secure and affordable housing while building the long-term capacity of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations.
The package includes:
- $600 million in dedicated funding and access to additional concessional loans for projects delivered by or in genuine partnership with First Nations housing organisations
- A 10% First Nations tenancy target across all social housing delivered under HAFF Round 3, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people benefit from the full scale of this housing investment
- A new First Nations concierge function within Housing Australia to support providers through the application and delivery process and help build the long-term capacity of the community-controlled housing sector
- Updates to Housing Australia's Investment Mandate to embed Closing the Gap priorities across all operations
Round 3 of the HAFF will deliver more than 21,000 new social and affordable homes across the country, forming part of Labor's commitment to deliver 55,000 social and affordable homes by mid-2029.
These homes will support women and children escaping family and domestic violence, older women at risk of homelessness, First Nations people, veterans, and key workers across the country.
Since coming to office, the Albanese Labor Government has completed more than 5,000 social and affordable homes with 25,000 more in planning and construction across all the Government's housing programs.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Housing, Clare O'Neil MP
"For too long, First Nations Australians have faced some of the worst housing outcomes in the country. That's not good enough, and this Labor Government is acting.
"This $600 million investment is about more than just building homes—it's about building capacity, respecting self-determination, and putting First Nations communities in control of their own housing futures.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
“Housing is an important part of Closing the Gap, we know that if people have a safe place to live it leads to improved wellbeing.
“That’s why Closing the Gap priorities are embedded in our government’s housing agenda.
“This $600 million HAFF investment is another way the Albanese Government is delivering for First Nations families and communities.”