‘What works’ to sustain Indigenous tenancies in Australia

This research examines the characteristics of successful tenancies for Indigenous people to understand ‘what works’ for securing successful housing outcomes.

It explores the successful initiatives in sustaining tenancies for Indigenous people and what particular elements contribute to this success, including for different types of housing. Indigenous Australians face considerable barriers to achieving successful housing outcomes. Only around a third of Indigenous Australians own their own home, compared to two-thirds of non-Indigenous people.

The research identifies several barriers to the delivery of tenancy support programs, including a lack of cultural understanding and the provision of culturally inappropriate services.

Key Points

  • The research provides new evidence around the specific factors that contribute to successful tenancies for Indigenous Australians.
  • The success of a tenancy should not be judged simply in terms of housing occupancy, but in terms of the degree to which it meets the needs of the person housed and their family.
  • Indigenous people’s housing aspirations differ according to where they are located on their housing pathway, and therefore definitions of a successful tenancy also vary.
  • A one-size-fits-all approach to Indigenous housing policy and practice will be unsuccessful in supporting people to realise their aspirations. Housing policies and programs need to be flexible and holistic, with different types of support provided depending on the circumstances of an individual and the housing outcomes they aspire to.
  • The accessibility of appropriate and affordable housing is a key systemic level determinant of successful Indigenous tenancies.

Read the ‘What works’ to sustain Indigenous tenancies in Australia‘ report here.