The Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments are delivering on their commitment to improve housing quality for First Nations people, with 343 homes in remote South Australian communities receiving upgrades to improve climate resilience.
The upgrades, across seven communities in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands; Iwantja (Indulkana), Mimili, Kaltjiti (Fregon), Amata, Pukatja (Ernabella), Kalka and Pipalyatjara - Dunjiba, include ceiling and external wall insulation to boost energy efficiency.
Since works began, the program has generated economic benefits by supporting First Nations employment.
Ten Aboriginal workers were involved in delivering upgrades in the APY Lands. Two workers involved in the Mimili ceiling insultation program were retained by the contractor.
Community engagement is underway in additional remote South Australian communities and homelands to identify local priorities and improvements to support safe and healthy living, delivered by First Nations organisations where there is capacity.
The Malinauskas Government is delivering the upgrades in partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network, which supports project delivery, community engagement and program governance.
Funded through investment returns from the Housing Australia Future Fund, the Albanese Government is investing $200 million over five years from 2024-25 to support housing repairs, maintenance and improvements in remote First Nations communities in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Housing is an important part of Closing the Gap, supporting First Nations families and helping build healthier, stronger communities.
“This initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments to improve housing for First Nations people in remote communities.
“Importantly, these upgrades are being delivered in partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network, in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness, Josh Burns:
“No-one should be forced to live in substandard housing, no matter where they live.
“Through the Housing Australia Future Fund, we are partnering with States and Territories to deliver much-needed repairs, maintenance and improvements to housing in remote Indigenous communities across the country.
“These upgrades will improve the energy efficiency and liveability of more than 300 homes across remote South Australia.”
Quotes attributable to SA Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher:
"Geographical location should not be a barrier to quality housing, and these upgrades are helping support safe and healthy living - an important element of Closing the Gap.
“These improvements not only aid with energy efficiency, but they also help create economic opportunity for Aboriginal workers in their own communities - delivering vital skills and jobs where they’re needed."
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion:
“Every South Australian deserves a home that is safe, healthy and built to last - and that is just as true for First Nations people living in remote communities.
“By improving the energy efficiency of more than 300 homes across the APY Lands and other remote communities, we are investing in better housing outcomes, stronger communities and healthier living conditions for South Australians.
“What makes this program stand out is that it isn't just about housing but that it is creating real jobs and real opportunities for Aboriginal workers in their own communities.”
Quotes attributable to South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network, Lead Convenor Scott Wilson:
"Ten Aboriginal employees contributed to these upgrades across the APY Lands. That's real employment, real careers and real futures being built. SAACCON is proud to partner with the South Australian Housing Trust and have input into a program that doesn't just upgrade homes but also opens doors.
“Closing the Gap needs us to address housing inequality and economic participation together - not separate issues.
“As this work expands to more areas, we are excited to see these employment pathways grow and increase community wealth and growth."
Quotes attributable to SA Aboriginal Housing Peak Body Interim CEO, April Lawrie:
"Our new peak body will advocate for sustainable housing that respects our people and our land, putting an end to substandard living conditions.
“For too long, remote communities have been overlooked.
“The investment gives assurance that houses work, our families are healthy and basic living standards are met for our people in remote communities."