A new Aboriginal housing peak body is set to be established in South Australia, pairing Aboriginal housing with community leadership and culturally safe solutions.
The South Australian Government, via the SA Housing Trust, will provide $2.5 million over five years to support the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) establish the peak body to improve Aboriginal housing outcomes.
The peak body will be focused on supporting the development of a community-controlled housing sector which provides both housing and housing support services, such as tenant management.
It will also focus on strengthening partnerships between government and Aboriginal communities, as well as driving innovation and accountability in Aboriginal housing outcomes.
SAACCON Lead Convenor, Scott Wilson, said the agreement acknowledges the capacity of Aboriginal South Australians.
"This funding agreement is a powerful recognition of the leadership and expertise within Aboriginal communities," Mr Wilson said.
"The peak body will be a vital platform for driving housing reform that is culturally grounded and community-led."
The 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.
SAACCON Co-Convenor, Christine Thyer, said SAACCON welcomed the investment and partnership.
"It reflects the trust placed in Aboriginal organisations to lead solutions that meet the real needs of our people," Ms Thyer said.
"The peak body will ensure our voices are heard and our rights respected."
The South Australian Government said 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.
South Australian Minister for Housing Infrastructure, Nick Champion, said the establishment of the new peak body "will ensure Aboriginal communities are empowered to shape the housing policies and services that affect their lives".
"We are listening to Aboriginal South Australians and backing their leadership with real investment to support meaningful, sustainable reform in the housing system," Mr Champion said.
The South Australian Government says the funding commitment marks a "significant milestone" in implementing the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021–2031, reinforcing its commitment to Aboriginal-led decision-making, community control, and culturally safe housing solutions.
"Establishing a peak body led by Aboriginal people to support South Australian Aboriginal communities is a key initiative to help us meet the housing Closing the Gap target and I'm pleased we have taken this meaningful action to help tackle this vital issue," South Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher, said.
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.
