Time to deliver: Housing First Nations people

One in eight First Nations households in Australia face unmet housing needs—almost twice the rate of other Australian households. Challenges such as affordability, overcrowding and housing suitability remain urgent, with profound impacts on health, wellbeing and opportunity.

Recent AHURI research has called for a national strategic framework that reflects the demographic and geographic diversity of First Nations communities, aligned with Closing the Gap targets.

This plenary brings together leading voices on First Nations housing to examine the national context, share insights on what is working, and explore new approaches that centre community leadership and lived experience. The discussion will focus not only on the scale of the challenge, but also on the pathways to delivering safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing that strengthens communities and supports self-determination.
 

Session speakers

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Jody Broun, Consultant

Jody Broun is a Yindjibarndi woman from the Pilbara in Western Australia who has maintained strong connections to country, community and culture throughout her life. For over 30 years, Jody has held senior positions across government and non-for-profit sectors and has experience across housing, health, education, justice, land and culture. She is passionate about social justice, community-led co-design, and changing the way government does business with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.

 

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Shane Hamilton, Aboriginal Hostels Limited

Shane Hamilton is a Wakka Wakka and Bundjalung man from Queensland. Shane has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer for Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL). He was recently the Deputy Secretary Aboriginal Affairs at Department of Premier and Cabinet in the NSW Government. Prior to that, Shane made a significant contribution to the Aboriginal Housing Office in NSW, leading the business through an organisational transformation, and re-establishing the AHO as a place of innovation and commitment through its supporting Aboriginal communities and businesses, and promoting choice and equal access to housing for Aboriginal families

Facilitator

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Neil Willmett, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland

Neil Willmett is an Aboriginal man with has strong connections to the Waanyi people of the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Kuku Yalanji people of Far North Queensland. A national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing, health, economic development and administration, Neil has led a number of critical national and state policies, programs and reviews over the last 20 years, and was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland in December 2020.