Delivering on its commitment to action, certainty and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government has today unveiled a new five-year strategy to address homelessness and tackle the root causes of crime.
Backed by a $223 million joint investment from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments, the Northern Territory Homelessness Strategy 2025-2030 sets a clear roadmap to prevent and reduce homelessness across the Territory.
Minister for Children and Families Robyn Cahill said the Territory continues to face the highest rate of homelessness in the country, at 12 times the national average.
"We know that helping people into secure housing leads to improved employment and school outcomes, and onto a pathway for a better life," said Ms Cahill.
"Homelessness intersects with family violence, child protection, mental health and justice. It is not just a housing issue, it is a whole-of-community challenge that requires a coordinated, long-term response.
"We have listened to Territorians, and through this Strategy, we're committing to act differently and do better, backed by investment, partnership, and accountability."
The Strategy was launched today at Yilli Housing's short-stay accommodation facility in Darwin, with key representatives from the homelessness and housing sector, Aboriginal community controlled organisations, and domestic, family and sexual violence services.
Built through one of the Territory's most extensive consultations, the Strategy involved more than 200 stakeholders and over 110 people with lived experience of homelessness, who shared their stories, insights and ideas to help shape its development,.
The Strategy identifies three key priorities:
• Intervene early to prevent homelessness
• Deliver culturally safe services, especially for Aboriginal Territorians
• Strengthen the homelessness service system with improved coordination, data, standards and workforce capability.
Chief Executive Officer, NT Shelter Annie Taylor said, "This Strategy marks a significant step forward in the Northern Territory's response to homelessness. With additional funding and a whole-of-government commitment, frontline homelessness services are better placed to deliver the vital support that Territorians need.
"We commend the Northern Territory Government, the homelessness sector, people with lived experience, and all contributors to this Strategy for their collaboration in shaping a shared path forward.
"The Northern Territory has a significant and disproportionate level of homelessness. This Strategy will underpin a homelessness system that is driven by lived expertise with prevention and place-based responses that reflect the unique needs of the Territory as key."
Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Housing NT, Leeanne Caton, "With Aboriginal people making up nearly 90 per cent of the Territory's homeless population, we cannot fix this without cultural safety, self-determination and place-based solutions.
"This Strategy recognises that and backs the leadership of Aboriginal organisations and communities to drive the change we need."
In 2025-26 alone, more than $70 million will be invested by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments to deliver homelessness services aligned to the Strategy.
