Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL) has become the first Aboriginal housing provider to attain Tier One under the National Regulatory System Community Housing (NRSCH).
The new registration will enable ACHL to embark on development projects that will support Aboriginal communities in realising the much-needed housing initiatives within their respective communities.
ACHL can collaborate with key industry stakeholders, governments, and organisations on a national level, facilitating partnerships that can further enhance housing opportunities and improve outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
ACHL National Manager Stacey Broadbent said this is a noteworthy achievement and a testament to the collective
efforts of ACHL's "passionate team... high-quality service provision, and the unwavering support we have received from Aboriginal communities".
Following an assessment of eight performance outcomes including tenancy engagement, governance, and efficiency levels – CHP regulatory body, NRSCH officially registered ACHL as Tier One Aboriginal housing provider.
"The Tier One registration marks a significant milestone for ACHL. By achieving this status in an accelerated timeframe of seven years, ACHL has not only surpassed industry benchmarks but has also set a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness in the Aboriginal housing sector. We remain committed to enhancing the lives of Indigenous peoples through sustainable and inclusive housing initiatives," Ms Broadbent said.
Over the past two years, ACHL has doubled its portfolio to over 700 which is spread across metro, regional, remote, and very remote communities in Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria.
"Our aim is to expand our property portfolio to approximately 1,000 properties by year-end, with upcoming plans to extend our presence to Queensland and the Northern Territory within the next year," Ms Broadbent said.
As an Aboriginal-led organisation, ACHL is proud of its "remarkable staff composition", with 88 per cent of its team having an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.
ACHL noted that this level of representation "surpasses that of any other provider in the housing sector", emphasising the significance of Indigenous-led initiatives in effectively addressing the housing challenges experienced by Aboriginal peoples.
The 2021 Census showed 24,930 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness, up 6.4 per cent from 23,437 in 2016. This represents more than 20 per cent (one in five) of the people experiencing homelessness in Australia.
Acting NSW Registrar of Community Housing Andrew Forster said Tier One community housing providers are required to meet the highest levels of performance standards and are subject to annual regulatory engagement.
"ACHL's multi-jurisdictional housing growth strategy, coupled with its other services, warrants Tier 1 status. We commend ACHL's achievement as the first Aboriginal controlled organisation to reach this significant milestone," he said.
