A new Aboriginal peak housing body will be established in South Australia that will champion Aboriginal housing with community leadership and culturally safe solutions.
The State Government, through the SA Housing Trust, will provide $2.5 million over five years to help the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) establish a peak body to drive improvements in Aboriginal housing outcomes.
One of the key focuses of the peak body will be to support the development of a community-controlled housing sector that provides both housing and housing support services, such as tenant management.
The new peak body will:
- Recognise and empower Aboriginal leadership to drive Aboriginal-led decision making
- Advocate for Aboriginal housing needs across South Australia.
- Support the development of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Housing Sector
- Strengthen partnerships between government and Aboriginal communities
- Drive innovation and accountability in housing outcomes
The peak body will consult with communities and Aboriginal housing and homelessness services to effectively support and advocate for the needs of Aboriginal South Australians. It will also advise government on how it can better interact, consult with and serve communities.
This funding commitment marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021–2031, reinforcing the commitment to Aboriginal-led decision-making, community control, and culturally safe housing solutions.
The peak body will also help progress South Australia’s commitments to targets for appropriate and affordable housing in Aboriginal communities under the National Agreement for Closing the Gap.