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There’s no place like home: Indigenous lands need private homeownership NOW
‘Social’ housing tenants on Indigenous lands should immediately be offered ownership - at no cost - of the houses they live in, says a report released by The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) today.
In Private Housing on Indigenous Lands, Professor Helen Hughes senior research fellow at the CIS, Mark Hughes an independent researcher and Sara Hudson a CIS policy analyst argue that ‘social’ housing has failed and private home ownership must be an immediate priority on Indigenous lands.
‘To kick start home ownership on Indigenous lands tenants should be offered ownership of their homes at no cost,’ says Professor Hughes.
‘Indigenous Australians are locked out of the Australian dream of homeownership and the many social and monetary benefits associated with it,’ says Mark Hughes
In mainstream Australia, communal land such as parks and schools, sits side by side with private properties such as homes and businesses. The mix of private and communal property underpins Australia’s high living standards.
‘Private home ownership does not destroy communal property – it complements it.’
Indigenous landowner corporations, modelled on strata or gated community arrangements, could negotiate property boundaries, and confirm communal lands while issuing leases for private housing and business.
‘Homeownership brings many benefits, but also responsibilities. Both are lacking in remote Indigenous communities.’
Much of the ‘social’ housing on Indigenous lands would not be certified fit for occupancy in Australian suburbs. Governments’ own data show that at the completion of current $6 billion ‘social’ housing programs, overcrowding and sub-standard housing will remain.
By encouraging private homeownership, families would have access to home loans for refurbishments and homes would once again be a source of pride rather than despair.
Sara Hudson, CIS policy analyst and Mark Hughes are available for comment.
