The Territory Government will undertake the first large-scale transfer of public housing properties to community housing providers in the Greater Darwin region, with Mission Australia Housing NT to take on the management of 251 properties in Darwin’s northern suburbs and Venture Housing taking over management of 250 properties in Palmerston.
Tenants can expect to see better local community services and specialised support while maintaining the affordability of their public housing property, with no out of pocket rent increases under the new management arrangements.
Both Venture Housing and Mission Australia Housing are Tier One community housing providers with the highest level of performance and regulatory compliance, and registration with the National Regulatory System for Community Housing.
Venture Housing is a local provider with a large portfolio of social and affordable homes across the Territory, while Mission Australia is building on its long-standing presence in the NT by establishing Mission Australia Housing NT. It will bring significant housing expertise and capability as a registered housing provider that manages a portfolio of more than 4,000 social and affordable homes across Australia.
The transition is a key component of the Territory Government’s Community Housing Growth Strategy 2022-32, which aims to transfer management of up to 40 per cent of urban public housing to community housing providers.
Across Australia, it has been widely established that community housing providers can deliver cost effective housing builds and tenancy services along with improved property and tenancy management for tenants.
The Northern Territory Government will maintain ownership of the homes while Mission Australia Housing NT and Venture Housing will assume responsibility for conducting inspections, collecting rent, and repairs and maintenance to foster a financially sustainable and diverse social housing system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Urban Housing, Ngaree Ah Kit:
“Our Government is transforming the delivery of social and affordable housing in the Northern Territory by creating a contemporary and sophisticated housing system.
“The transfer of 501 public housing properties to Mission Australia Housing NT and Venture Housing will deliver benefits to our public housing tenants.
“Both have a strong record of providing high quality asset and tenancy management and the capacity to offer additional services to residents that will enhance their overall quality of life.”
Quotes attributable to Mission Australia CEO, Sharon Callister:
“Mission Australia welcomes the opportunity to take on management of these homes, which will deepen our existing connections here in the Territory and enable us to increase our level of support to people who need it.
“Our intention is not just to deliver positive housing outcomes, it’s to create homes for people and to develop a thriving self-supportive community providing opportunities for people to connect with services, activities and each other.”
Quotes attributable to Venture Housing Company Limited CEO, Karen Walsh:
“Venture Housing is thrilled to have the opportunity to manage the 250 Palmerston homes in this program and we’re looking forward to engaging with the tenants.
“We strive to achieve sustainable tenancies, so our tenants live their best lives and achieve their aspirations.
“I am confident that our new Palmerston tenants will feel welcome and supported and that these homes will be very well maintained under Venture Housing’s management.”
Northern Territory Government
