- New body to "be a guiding force" advocating for First Nations peoples
- $5.5 million invested from the Housing Action Plan
- The move has been well received
The Queensland State Government today announced that it has established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak housing body.
It is expected to “be a guiding force to help advocate for First Nations peoples.”
This announcement comes on National Sorry Day, an annual event that commemorates the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
“As a peak body, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland will advocate for the sector and work with government to improve outcomes for First Nations people’s housing.”
Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Communities and Housing
The Minister said the new body will be sensitive to the challenges faced by the Indigenous community.
“Their extensive knowledge and geographically diverse backgrounds will provide unique insights into the housing challenges and opportunities for communities across Queensland.”
Queensland’s government said the move complements other action being taken, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019-2023.
Through the Housing Action Plan, $5.5 million has been used to establish the housing body.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland CEO Neil Willmett responded to the establishment of the housing body:
“Today, everyone wins.”
Neil Willmett, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland CEO
Mr Willmett also said, “We understand that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing challenges are complex and that they cannot be solved by a single organisation and will partner with like-minded organisations to have a common goal and make the best use of collective expertise.”
