The Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (TFHC) is continuing to strengthen the territory's remote housing system - making sure people living in remote communities have the homes they need and effectively managing our property management and maintenance programs.
Acting Chief Executive for TFHC Emma White today released findings of a comprehensive review by Menzies School of Health Research into the Northern Territory Government's Healthy Homes program.
The 2-year monitoring and evaluation review was commissioned by the department to analyse the effectiveness of the government's Healthy Homes program for remote communities.
Healthy Homes was established in 2020 as a new approach to integrate 9 Healthy Living Practices into the delivery of remote housing programs, including a focus on preventative maintenance. The program includes the delivery of remote property and tenancy management services for 73 remote communities, 18 Alice Springs town camps, and 7 Tennant Creek community living areas.
The review was informed and supported by members of an expert advisory group made up of representatives from Aboriginal community housing organisations and Northern Territory land councils.
The review is supportive of the intent and approach of the Healthy Homes program and makes 32 recommendations to improve its operational effectiveness across 5 key areas:
· preventive maintenance
· improved data collection and management
· better governance
· maintenance contracts that support Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to deliver housing services
· longer funding to ensure greater stability and continuity of service.
The department will work with government to consider and implement the 32 recommendations, including which to accept, accept in principle and which need further consideration.
Healthy Homes is jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments through a 5-year $175 million investment delivered through the Our Communities. Our Homes. Our Futures - a $2.1 billion Remote Housing Investment Package improving Aboriginal housing in remote communities.
The review is available at here
Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Executive, Territory Families, Housing and Communities Emma White
"We welcome the comprehensive review of our Healthy Homes program completed by Menzies School of Health Research.
"We will work with the Northern Territory Government, other NT Government departments and the Australian Government to consider the operational, policy and resourcing implications outlined within the report and use these to inform future planning.
"Our remote housing property and tenancy management program is large and complex which is why reviews such as this are so valuable. It allows us to reflect on what we are doing well and where we can improve.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Executive Housing, Territory Families, Housing and Communities Brent Warren
"The review from Menzies will be invaluable in informing and supporting the work we're doing when it comes to remote housing maintenance services.
"Our staff and contractors on the ground are incredibly dedicated to supporting people living in remote communities and working together to overcome the ongoing challenges of delivering preventative maintenance in remote communities.
"We will continue to work together with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and to ensure our tenants are getting the best outcomes."
