A new agreement with the Commonwealth Government will see the Northern Territory receive $278 million over five years for social housing and homelessness services.
The National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness represents an increase of more than $33 million per year on the previous arrangement, beginning on 1 July 2024.
The investment includes annual allocations of $12.8 million for housing, and $42.8 million to support the future delivery of specialist homelessness services such as youth and family support, crisis intervention, and dignity services – more than seven times the amount previously allocated to the NT.
The agreement features an additional $25 million for crisis and transitional accommodation for youth, and women and children escaping domestic and family violence; and a further $25 million bonus for essential infrastructure to expedite housing construction.
These investments, will complement the existing Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and boost new social and affordable housing across the Territory.
The Lawler Government’s Budget 2024 includes a $12 million investment for HAFF initiatives that will progress the redevelopment of housing on Shiers Street in the Narrows, and the YWCA lodge on Mitchell Street in the Darwin CBD.
The NT Government will now work with the sector to develop a strategy to deliver increased homelessness services that align with outcomes in the National Housing and Homelessness Plan to be released in the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Urban Housing Ngaree Ah Kit:
“The Lawler Government acknowledges the NT’s high rate of homelessness and that’s why we have worked closely with the Commonwealth Government for more needs-based funding.
“I welcome this significant investment that will enable us to make a real difference to Territorians who are experiencing homelessness.
“I look forward to working with our sector partners to build on these investments in social and affordable housing to redesign our homelessness service system and support individuals and families across the Territory to secure safe, stable accommodation.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Kate Worden:
“There is a great need for housing for survivors of domestic and family violence, with this cohort making up more than a third of those seeking specialist homelessness services.
“This investment is an acknowledgement of the critical need for housing and homelessness services across the Territory and will go a long way towards making a tangible difference to the lives of many Territorians.”
Quotes attributable to NT Shelter CEO Peter McMilllan:
“NT Shelter congratulates the Northern Territory Government on successfully finalising this unprecedented and game changing agreement with the Commonwealth.
“Now that this much needed funding has finally been secured, the hard work begins on designing and delivering the frontline homelessness services that Territorians experiencing or at risk of homelessness so badly need.”
