The majority of housing for Indigenous communities is in poor condition. Evidence shows the prime causes are poor initial construction exacerbated by a lack of regular routine maintenance.1
The Institute has determined that government policies over the past 40 years aimed at reducing the short-term capital cost of houses at the expense of reasonable housing standards have increased running and maintenance costs for residents and lead to premature housing failure. Policies that mandate high quality initial construction and regular routine maintenance are required to prevent these circumstances from recurring. In addition, there is an acute shortage of housing for Indigenous communities which leads to overcrowding and places further strain on household infrastructure, particularly health hardware such as toilets and showers. This has direct and immediate negative consequences for the health and well-being of Indigenous people.2
The Institute believes that architects have an important role to play in improving the standard of Indigenous housing. Architects have a unique set of skills to work with Indigenous communities, particularly in remote communities. Architects produce housing that is appropriate to particular cultural practices and relationships, and the demands of geography and climate.
The involvement of experienced architects, in collaboration with other stakeholders is vital if the quality, suitability and longevity of housing for Indigenous communities are to be improved.
1. Department of Family and Community Services, 2003, National Indigenous Housing Guide, 2nd Ed., Canberra
2. SGS Economics & Planning in conjunction with Tallegalla Consultants, 2006, Evaluation of Fixing Houses for Better Health Projects 2, 3,and 4, Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Occasional Paper No. 14, Canberra