National Priority 2
Housing
This priority focuses on discrimination experienced by Indigenous people in seeking and obtaining appropriate housing, particularly housing in the private market.
Access to appropriate and affordable housing is a fundamental human right. Tenancy is a major issue for most consumer agencies and whilst it may not be the primary responsibility for some agencies, they should take action where they can. Recognising that the responsibilities for this area are diverse, it will still require advocacy and referral by consumer agencies to assist Indigenous tenants.
Issue | Action | Responsibility | Timeline |
| Issue 2.1 Discrimination Distress over housing and accommodation caused by discrimination by real estate agents and landlords. | Ongoing awareness training of tenants, agents and landlords. Align real estate licensing with equal opportunity legislation.
| All Consumer Agencies with residential tenancy responsibilities. | Ongoing |
Issue 2.2 Tenancy rights and responsibilities In some jurisdictions Indigenous tenants do not have the same rights as other tenants. Indigenous tenants are unaware of their rights and responsibilities Indigenous housing providers are unaware of their obligations. | Examine scope of tenancy legislation to ensure equal treatment of Indigenous tenants. Education for tenants and other key intermediaries on tenancy rights and responsibilities. Ensure access to dispute resolution and advocacy. Educate Indigenous housing providers on their obligations and responsibilities. Co-ordination with Indigenous housing agencies to ensure compliance with the law. | All Consumer Agencies with tenancy responsibilities. | Ongoing |
| Issue 2.3 Utility billing Disadvantage and discrimination occurs in the billing and disconnecting process for overdue accounts, as it does not take Indigenous cultural issues into consideration. Indigenous consumers are disadvantaged by billing practices of utility providers. For example, there appears to be a lack of flexibility for repayment options and the billing cycles are often problematic. | Industry consultation and working with regulators and dispute resolution bodies to raise the profile of this issue and identify responses. Education of Indigenous consumers about water and energy consumption. Educating Indigenous consumers about access to hardship provisions, resolution process and financial counselling services. | All Consumer Agencies. | Ongoing |
Consultation and feedback
Across Australia there are varying numbers of Indigenous households who experience “unauthorised” disconnection or restrictions from energy and water supply. The major cause of disconnection and restriction is ongoing financial hardship within these households. This is due to low incomes, reliance on welfare payments, large numbers of household members and high levels of health problems.