In July 2023 the Commission made a brief submission to the Department of Housing to support the development of the Our Place: A First Nations Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2024-2027.
The Commission is committed to working in genuine and meaningful partnership with First Nations peoples, communities and organisations to close the gap in achieving equality in health status and life expectancy outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by the year 2030
Safe, secure, affordable housing and connection to community is foundational to good mental wellbeing and achieving other life aspirations
To improve housing outcomes for First Nations people, particularly those experiencing mental ill-health, problematic alcohol and other drug use, and suicidality, the Commission suggests three areas for consideration:
- increased housing supply across the spectrum of need
- culturally appropriate support services, and
- evolving ways of working to support self-determination and the principles of Path to Treaty.
The Commission looks forward to further involvement in the development of the plan.
