Housing conditions and health in Indigenous Australian communities: current status and recent trends

Ensuring sufficient and adequately maintained housing in Indigenous Australian communities remains an ongoing policy challenge for government, with major implications for the health of Indigenous Australians. This study sought to characterise the current status of housing conditions experienced by Indigenous Australians, with special reference to the Northern Territory. The assessment examined a range of indicators relating to crowding, dwelling condition, 'health hardware', and provision of maintenance and repairs. While acknowledging data deficiencies and inconsistencies, the analysis produced mixed results. There was evidence of a reduction in crowding but little observable improvement in the provision of maintenance and repairs. Some housing-related health outcomes have shown improvement, though these have tended to coincide with mass treatment campaigns. Achieving the goal of healthy homes - and ultimately closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage - requires further investment in new houses that are appropriately designed and constructed, alongside an increased emphasis on cyclical maintenance.