The Allan Labor Government is expanding support for Aboriginal Victorians struggling to find or keep a private rental, helping more people access stable and secure housing
Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing today announced a more than $17 million investment to help Aboriginal renters at the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum in Melbourne.
The Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program was co-designed by Homes Victoria and Aboriginal housing organisations to provide rental subsidies, bond support, and targeted programs for tenants
Since the program began in late 2020, more than 2,000 Aboriginal households have received support - with nearly 70 per cent successfully finding or keeping their housing.
This investment will help support around 4,200 more households secure or maintain a private rental, providing a vital pathway to long-term housing stability.
This initiative is part of the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework - Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort, Every Aboriginal Person has a Home - a long-term plan to improve housing outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.
The Labor Government is also helping boost social and affordable housing across the state through its $6.3 billion Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund, helping deliver 13,300 homes
At least 10 per cent of all new social homes under the Big Housing Build are set aside for First Peoples and the Labor Government is working with Aboriginal housing organisations to design, build and manage homes.
As stated by Minister for Housing Harriet Shing
"We're continuing our partnerships with First Nations organisations to design and deliver housing programs that are culturally safe, effective, and tailored to the needs of the people they serve."
"We know that these initiatives make a real difference - since launching our rental assistance program, the majority of applicants have been able to find or stay in their private rental."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"We see the best outcomes when Aboriginal communities design and lead solution - that's exactly what this rental assistance program does, so that more First Nations families can find and secure long-term housing."
