The Northern Territory Government must address the ongoing neglect of public housing in remote communities, according to a Territory Labor MP.
Shadow attorney-general Chansey Paech has launched a petition calling on the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly to pressure the Country-Liberal Party (CLP) government to take immediate action to ensure all public housing is maintained to a safe and liveable standard.
He argues the government has "ignored" neighbourhoods across the Territory.
The Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji man — whose electorate of Gwoja is more than 75 per cent Indigenous — said many Territorians are "waiting years on housing waitlists to get a home", with the petition calling for a timely completion of repairs, an end to public housing being left vacant, and clear timelines for rebuilds and renovations.
"We need action. Families need homes. Communities need respect. It's time to clean up this mess," it states.
"This petition calls on the CLP Government to urgently address the neglect and deterioration of public housing across the Northern Territory and to take immediate action to fix and maintain safe, liveable homes."
In social media posts, Mr Paech said the CLP continues to ignore both neighbourhoods and Territorians.
"We need the government to start addressing the housing issues in the Northern Territory," he said.
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Last year, the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory said there were nearly 6,000 people on the Territory's public housing waitlist.
A joint 10-year, $4 billion investment by the federal and Territory governments in remote housing has so far delivered 300 homes across the Northern Territory, with up to 270 homes to be built each year under the agreement.
"This investment is not only changing the lives of First Nations families, it is building a stronger future for remote communities while at the same [time] creating jobs, building skills and backing Territory businesses," Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said last week after the completion of the 300th home.
"We will continue to work with the Northern Territory Government, Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory and Land Councils to ensure remote housing solutions are community-led and sustainable for the long term."
Experts have long drawn links between unsuitable and overcrowded housing in remote communities and the prevalence of health issues, including scabies.
In comments reported by NT News, Mr Paech said many people across the Territory are living in overcrowded or derelict housing that is often unsuitable for families and the climate.
"Safe, secure housing is a basic human right. It underpins health, education, safety and dignity. When governments fail to maintain public housing, the impacts are felt across entire communities," he said.
"When houses are broken, families suffer and it causes overcrowding which directly impacts kids schooling and health."
Organisations will be invited to host the petition in waiting rooms and reception areas, with Mr Paech saying it will be presented to the Northern Territory Parliament.
