Thursday, 27 May 2021

Launch of the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-2031

We are pleased to announce that the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Steven Marshall MP today released the State’s first South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-2031.  

It is our vision that Aboriginal peoples within South Australia have equitable access to safe, secure and affordable homes; and that this is achieved through shared decision making and culturally informed services, to maintain Aboriginal peoples personal and cultural wellbeing.

We have travelled across the state, we have listened, we have heard and we are committed to ensuring the following three key outcomes for Aboriginal peoples across South Australia:

1.      Aboriginal peoples have a greater voice about the way they want the housing sector to operate within their communities.

2.      Aboriginal peoples are equal beneficiaries of the economic opportunities the housing sector provides.

3.      Aboriginal peoples can equitably access safe, secure and affordable housing.

Our approach within the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-2031 aligns with, and supports, broader commitments and aspirations of community and the Government including shared decision making and genuine partnerships, more opportunities for Aboriginal economic development, and improving the quality and delivery of services to Aboriginal peoples within South Australia. More information about the commitments and aspirations of the Government, both State and Commonwealth can be found at: South Australian Government Aboriginal Affairs Action Plan 2021-2022and National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The new strategy outlines six strategic pillars, which will drive change in:

·           housing sector reform

·           sector-wide service reform

·           economic opportunities and capacity building

·           reforming the crisis and homelessness sector

·           increasing the supply of safe housing

·           creating more pathways to home ownership.

Under these six pillars are 17 key actions that will deliver significant change and tangible outcomes for Aboriginal peoples.

Together with our partners within the Aboriginal community, the housing industry, the housing sector and across government, we embark on this journey to deliver an exciting new housing future for Aboriginal peoples in South Australia. We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank all who have contributed to developing the strategy and taken the time to share personal and professional experiences.

We will continue to keep you informed on future opportunities to participate in the co-design elements of the Strategy as we move towards the delivery phase.

To read the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-2031 visitwww.housing.sa.gov.au/ahs. If you need further information about the strategy, please contact Glen Michels, Manager, Aboriginal Housing Strategy and Governance, atglen.michels@sa.gov.au or 0459 853 348.

Shona Reid

Chair, Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Erin Woolford

Head of Aboriginal Housing

SA Housing Authority

SA Housing Authority acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples and Traditional Owners of the lands and waters we live and work. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and the relationship that First Nations people have to Country. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.