The Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute) supports the urgent need to improve the poor standard of housing for Indigenous people across Australia in urban, rural and remote areas.
The standard of housing and essential infrastructure available to Indigenous communities is well below that which is generally available to the non-Indigenous population. There is clear evidence that the failure of governments to provide a reasonable standard of housing design, construction and maintenance has direct and immediate consequences for the health and well-being of Indigenous people. The inadequate supply of housing, which leads to overcrowding, aggravates these problems.
Governments must build more housing for Indigenous communities and design it better to suit their cultural and physical needs. Existing stock must be better maintained and new dwellings designed and built for lower maintenance. Architects, working with other stakeholders can make a significant contribution to improving Indigenous housing.