$600 million to transform First Nations housing
The Federal Government is set to deliver significant investment in First Nations housing through the Housing Australia Future Fund, with $600 million committed in Round 3 to improving housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This commitment further strengthens the community-controlled housing sector and embeds Closing the Gap priorities at the heart of the Government’s housing agenda.
Expressions of Interest are now open for Round 3 which includes a dedicated First Nations funding stream designed in genuine partnership with First Nations organisations, ensuring communities have access to safe, secure and affordable housing while building the long-term capacity of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations.
The package includes:
- $600 million in dedicated funding and access to additional concessional loans for projects delivered by or in genuine partnership with First Nations housing organisations
- A 10 per cent First Nations tenancy target across all social housing delivered under HAFF Round 3, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people benefit from the full scale of this housing investment
- A new First Nations concierge function within Housing Australia to support providers through the application and delivery process and help build the long-term capacity of the community-controlled housing sector
- Updates to Housing Australia’s Investment Mandate to embed Closing the Gap priorities across all operations
Round 3 of the HAFF will deliver more than 21,000 new social and affordable homes across the country, forming part of the government commitment to deliver 55,000 social and affordable homes by mid-2029.
These homes will support women and children escaping family and domestic violence, older women at risk of homelessness, First Nations people, veterans, and key workers across the country.
Since coming to office, the Albanese Labor Government has completed more than 5,000 social and affordable homes with 25,000 more in planning and construction across all the Government’s housing programs.
Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil said for too long, First Nations Australians had faced some of the worst housing outcomes in the country.
“We know that if people have a safe place to live it leads to improved wellbeing.”
“This $600 million investment is about more than just building homes—it’s about building capacity, respecting self-determination, and putting First Nations communities in control of their own housing futures,” she said.
Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil said for too long, First Nations Australians had faced some of the worst housing outcomes in the country. (AAP)
Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said housing was an important part of Closing the Gap.
“We know that if people have a safe place to live it leads to improved wellbeing,” she said.
“That’s why Closing the Gap priorities are embedded in our government’s housing agenda.
“This $600 million HAFF investment is another way the Albanese Government is delivering for First Nations families and communities.”
What is HAFF?
The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) is a significant initiative by the Australian Government aimed at improving housing outcomes for Australians.
Established on November 1, 2023, the HAFF is a dedicated $10 billion investment to support the delivery of 40,000 new social and affordable homes across Australia over five years from 2024.
The fund aims to address acute housing needs, including regional, rural, and remote areas, and is managed by the Future Fund Board of Guardians. The HAFF provides loans and grants for projects that increase the supply of social and affordable housing, ensuring homes are delivered where they are needed most.
