The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is extremely concerned that the Federal Government has cut funding for the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing. Housing conditions in remote communities remain substandard, overcrowded and there are high rates of homelessness in remote communities. All of these contribute to poor health outcomes and prevalence of third world diseases like trachoma and rheumatic heart disease.
Mr John Singer Chairperson of NACCHO said he, ‘was extremely disappointed that the Commonwealth Government has recently walked away from all States’ Remote Housing funding agreements and only maintained smaller scale arrangements in the Northern Territory. States have been offered short-term agreements and committed fewer funds. Simply put, decent housing and reducing homelessness is critical to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people’, he said.
‘We know it’s a significant concern for State Governments too’.
The WA State Government’s ‘Don’t Walk Away’ campaign, calls on the Federal Government not to abandon remote communities in Western Australia. For more information, visit
NACCHO requests that the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing funding is maintained to support efforts in Closing the Gap policies of the Federal government and Agreements with all States signed as a matter of urgency.
Download a PDF version HERE
NACCHO Media contact Julian Fitzgerald 0413 982 224.
Note: NACCHO represents 144 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across Australia
