Remote Public Housing Management Framework

With the Australian and Northern Territory governments funding more than $1.7 billion over 10 years to improve Indigenous housing in the Territory it is important that this investment is properly maintained and managed.

A model, similar to the public housing system, is being introduced in remote Indigenous communities, while reflecting the uniqueness of remote community life and embracing social housing elements.

Remote Housing NT aims to maintain the quality and lifecycle of housing, and deliver better management arrangements to remote Indigenous communities whilst increasing the opportunities for employment and training for local residents.

Managing and maintaining housing is underpinned by Northern Territory legislation the Housing Act and the Residential Tenancies Act, and also reflects current urban public housing policies.

The new system will mean:

• the involvement of community people so decisions are appropriate to each community and their social, economic and cultural needs
• an improved process for repairs and maintenance keeping houses safe, secure and extending their life expectancy
• formalised tenancy agreements so both landlord and tenant understand their rights and responsibilities
• allocation of housing based on need and determined collaboratively by communities and government
• a fair rent system for tenants
• support services for tenants on how to maintain successful tenancies
• sustainable local employment and training opportunities.

We are also working with community Housing Reference Groups to ensuring an informed commonsense approach to housing management at the regional and community level.