Providing the best opportunity for Aboriginal People

Summary

This multi-faceted research project was delivered by AHURI to support the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) in developing a new 10-year strategic plan and in outlining a vision for the Aboriginal Community Housing Sector (ACHS). The central research question for AHURI was: How can housing in NSW provide the best opportunity for Aboriginal people? 

What we delivered

Our research approach included: 

• A review of the existing evidence base relating to Aboriginal housing in Australia and an examination of the housing data provided by AHO and the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS).
• A series of five consultation workshops with key stakeholders including AHO staff, housing providers, tenants and government representatives. These workshops took place in Sydney (2), Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Bateman’s Bay.
• The delivery of an Issues Paper summarising the key housing issues faced by Aboriginal people in NSW, the role Aboriginal organisations can play in mitigating the issues faced and identifying good and best practices approaches already in existence. The Issues Paper concluded by outlining policy development options for Aboriginal housing in NSW.

Outcomes for the client

The Issues Paper delivered by AHURI supported the AHO’s the development and delivery of the Strategic Framework, Strong Family, Strong Communities 2018 – 2028, a 10-year strategy to improve the well-being of NSW Aboriginal families and communities through housing. The strategy is underpinned by four pillars: 

• Housing Solutions - delivering housing solutions with Aboriginal families based on demand for social and affordable housing.
• Client Outcomes - achieving better outcomes with Aboriginal tenants and clients through partnerships with Aboriginal organisations, human services agencies, and by creating study, work and business opportunities.
• Growing the Sector - strengthening and growing Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHP) through sector investment, regulation and the transfer of housing and property management.
• Data and evidence - improving data collection, evaluation and analysis to plan and in invest in the future.

Impact of the work

The Strong Family, Strong Communities Strategic Framework is supported by an Implementation Plan 2019 to 2022 and quarterly snapshots, showcasing the work delivered by teams across the AHO against the four pillars. The quarterly snapshots also provide updates against key targets set out in the Strategic Framework.