Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing
All First Nations peoples in Queensland should have a safe and secure home that meets their housing, locational and cultural needs, and provides the foundation for First Nations families and communities to thrive.
The Queensland Government is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland to co-design the Our Place: A First Nations Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2024–2027. It will build on the foundations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–23, to respond to the housing challenges faced by First Nations peoples.
On 9 June 2023 we opened a public consultation to hear from First Nations peoples and organisations on housing and homelessness. The consultation was closed on 25 July 2023.
Next steps
Submissions and stakeholder feedback have been collated, analysed and presented in the Our Place Consultation Summary (PDF, 4204.22 KB).
Building on this feedback, the Queensland Government will continue to work with a broad range of stakeholders, communities and partners to co-design the Our Place Action Plan.
We will continue work alongside industry and draw upon their expertise while emphasising First Nations voices, leadership and lived experience.
Together we can find housing solutions for all Queenslanders to thrive.
How did we get here?
In response to the unique housing experiences and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–2023 was launched in 2019.
Through the Queensland Housing Strategy Action Plan 2021-2025 (PDF, 3466.73 KB), we will continue to close the gap for First Nations peoples by delivering tailored housing responses and building on work already delivered under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–2023. (PDF, 3866.57 KB)
Through these Action Plans, the Queensland Government is working with First Nations peoples living in Queensland through a reframed relationship that reflects our commitment to listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about their housing concerns and aspirations for a better future.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, we are drawing on their deep connection to family, community and culture, to negotiate and develop solutions together to complex issues.
We know that alongside government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must determine, drive and own decision-making about matters that impact their lives, families and communities. This is vital to closing the gap and achieving real change and outcomes.
The Housing Action Plan 2021–2025 aligns with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–2023, building on foundations for further developing our key partnerships, growth opportunities, integration with support services and communities, and a safer and fairer housing system.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–2023 is well underway with initiatives being progressed. This includes the launch of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland, the peak body working with Indigenous community housing organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils focusing on all matters regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing and homelessness in Queensland.
The focus areas
Introduced through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019–2023, these themes form the basis of the actions to be delivered through the Queensland Housing Strategy Action Plan 2021–2025.
- Place-based responses: Empowering communities to develop local solutions
- Person-centred responses: Services and support to meet people’s needs
- A stronger sector: Create a strong and diverse housing sector
Our shared principles
The delivery of the action plans will be guided by these principles:
- Housing is a right: Every Queenslander should have access to safe, appropriate and sustainable housing.
- Empowering local solutions: Local communities will be at the centre of decision-making about local housing services.
- Helping those in need: Housing assistance will target those most in need.
- Culture is the key to opening doors for all: Culturally responsive housing services will be developed, in partnership with communities, using the best available evidence.
- Shared responsibility: Maintenance of housing is the shared responsibility of housing providers, families and individuals.
- Communities should benefit: The delivery of housing assistance programs will increase local job, training and business opportunities.
Our way of working
Shared leadership and informed local decision-making leads to better housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Queensland.
This means reframing the way local communities, government and the housing sector work together, collaborating to create stronger housing outcomes and appreciating each other’s strengths and differences.
With this in mind, we:
- co-design policies and programs in remote and discrete communities
- work closely with local residents, stakeholders and funding bodies in urban and regional communities to support community leadership and self-determination.
Partnering together on new initiatives delivers responsive housing services and better outcomes for communities.
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