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The NLC supports creation of new department: Territory Homes
The Northern Land Council (NLC) applauds Chief Minister Eva Lawler’s commitment to form a dedicated, independent housing department, if her government is re-elected.
As a participant in the National Partnership Agreement for Remote Housing and Homelands and a member of its Joint Steering Committee, the NLC has advocated for a specialised housing department. Our Council believes such a department is crucial to effectively rolling out the recently announced $4 billion, 10-year investment in remote housing across the Northern Territory (NT).
Currently, housing responsibilities are dispersed across multiple government departments, yet the announced Territory Homes department would Integrate all facets, from planning and construction to property and tenancy management.
The NLC is optimistic that its establishment would foster improved implementation of new remote housing programs and lead to clearer processes for remote housing tenants.
This new department would align with the shared decision-making required to Close the Gap, lead to a more coordinated, successful approach within government, and better support the work of all staff across both the remote and urban housing sector.
As our constituents continue to advocate strongly for more housing for Homelands, to the NLC it is vital that Homelands would also be better supported in this new department.
The NLC would now like to see Chief Minister Lawler’s commitment mirrored by opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro, and awaits CLP’s response to Labor’s announcement.
Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:
“This is a step in the right direction. Having housing looked after different government departments hasn’t been delivering the results that our people need on-the-ground.”
“We’re talking about basic human rights and something that impacts your life each and every day – our members see time and time again that good, culturally-appropriate housing is the foundation for good health and education, with this also leading to jobs, economic development and less social unrest.”
“The NLC welcomes this announcement by the current Chief Minister. We would be happy to see this new department remove confusion and barriers for Aboriginal people across the Top End, as well as allow the NT government to be better guided by the Joint Steering Committee. Now we want to hear the same from CLP.”