The Department of Communities, Housing and the Digital Economy has established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak housing body that will be a guiding force to help advocate for First Nations peoples.
Making the announcement on National Sorry Day, (26 May) Minister for Communities and Housing, Leeanne Enoch said the establishment of the peak body was a critical step in ensuring First Nations peoples were at the forefront of decision-making.
“The Government is continuing to work alongside First Nations people to address housing outcomes,” Ms Enoch said.
“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.”
She said the new peak body would represent the Indigenous housing sector’s interests, providing advocacy and connection to Government.
“The extensive knowledge of its members and their geographically diverse backgrounds will provide unique insights into the housing challenges and opportunities for communities across Queensland,” Ms Enoch said.
“Establishing this peak body builds on our Government’s commitment to addressing some of the unique challenges First Nations people face in accessing appropriate sustainable housing.”
She said the group would be a guiding force, working with the sector to deliver a program of work that included workforce development initiatives and building organisational capacity.
Ms Enoch said the housing body was established under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019-2023 and would deliver improved housing outcomes for people in urban, regional and remote communities across Queensland.
The 20-page Housing Action Plan 2019-2023 can be accessed at this PS News link.
