Social housing stock across NT to receive $4bn funding boost to halve overcrowding

The $4bn 10-year extension of the National Partnership for Remote Housing NT will be outlined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while on a visit to the community of Binjari, near Katherine.

“We are committed to practical actions that improve the lives of First Nations people,” he said.

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said the funding would “ease overcrowding, which we know is a major barrier to closing the gap”.

Hailed as a landmark agreement between federal and NT Labor, the jointly funded partnership has the aim to build up to 270 homes each year.

Aboriginal Housing NT chief executive Skye Thompson said the package was the “single most comprehensive investment package into the NT’s remote housing and homeland sector.”

“Its impact cannot be overstated,” she said.

“This investment will help ensure Aboriginal Australians across the NT are able to live with dignity and pride, where their kids can grow safe, healthy and strong and truly look to their futures with real hope and optimism.”

It is understood about $800m of the federal contribution is new money while the rest will be funnelled in through existing streams.

The partnership extends a five-year deal originally agreed to in 2019 by the Morrison Government.

It was established to build 1950 bedrooms in remote Indigenous communities where overcrowding has been significant by June 2023 – which it missed, passing the milestone in December last year.

But the government says overall 157 houses are on track to be delivered ahead of schedule over this financial year.

It comes as $120m over three years will also be committed to match the NT’s investment to deliver housing improvements and essential infrastructure upgrades in remote homelands.

NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler described the funding as a “game changer” for outcomes in the Top End.

“The years to come will provide homes for remote area residents that are safer and more secure, as well as employment and training opportunities for those who live in our communities and homelands,” she said.

“This is a game changer for the Territory, as this investment goes straight into the hands of our remote communities and Territory businesses.”