Accomodation funding for First Nations people welcomed

The Federal Government’s announcement of an investment of $48.3 million to continue to deliver short-term accommodation services for First Nations people has been welcomed by Aboriginal Hostels Limited.

This investment forms part of the Government’s 2026 Implementation Plan and reinforces the essential role culturally safe accommodation plays in improving access to health care, education, employment and services.

For more than 52 years, AHL has been part of Australia’s national infrastructure supporting First Nations people who must travel away from home to access essential services. This funding ensures that this work continues, and strengthens.

Culturally safe accommodation is not an add-on to other systems. It is what enables them to work, creating real opportunities for First Nations people.

Building on 52 Years of Legacy

As AHL works toward its next 10-year strategy, this investment provides important stability and certainty. It allows the company to build on its 52-year legacy and continue evolving to meet critical and emerging needs.

AHL’s future is not about surviving. It is about thriving.

Thriving means strengthening partnerships across health, education, justice and employment sectors. It means embedding quality and consistency across services. It means ensuring that culturally safe accommodation remains recognised as essential infrastructure within Closing the Gap reform effort.

This funding will support AHL to continue delivering:

• Safe, affordable and culturally appropriate accommodation across its national network.
• Support for residents travelling to access health care, education, training and justice services.
• Employment opportunities across Australia, including in regional and remote communities.
• Strong partnerships with service providers to improve coordination and continuity of care.
• Consistent, high-quality services grounded in dignity, cultural safety and long-term impact.

With more than five decades of experience and a clear vision for the decade ahead, AHL will continue strengthening its role in building connected systems that enable access, dignity and opportunity for First Nations people across Australia.