New strategy released: CLP backs early intervention to tackle homelessness and root causes of crime

Early intervention will be at the core of a new five-year CLP government strategy to address homelessness and tackle the root causes of crime.

Left to right Nathan Evans, Deputy CEO, Aboriginal Housing NT, Robyn Cahill, Minister for Children and Families Karen Broadfoot, A/CEO Department of Children and Families Annie Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, NT Shelter at the launch of the Northern Territory Homelessness Strategy 2025–2030.

Early intervention will be at the core of a new five-year CLP government strategy to address homelessness and tackle the root causes of crime.

The strategy is backed up by a $223 million joint investment from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments and has won the support of organisations NT Shelter and Aboriginal Housing NT.

The strategy has two other key pillars:

• Deliver culturally safe services, especially for Aboriginal Territorians

• Strengthen the homelessness service system with improved co-ordination, data, standards and workforce capability.

NT Shelter chief executive Annie Taylor said the strategy marks a significant step forward in the Northern Territory’s response to homelessness.

“With additional funding and a whole-of-government commitment, frontline homelessness services are better placed to deliver the vital support that Territorians need,” she said.

“We commend the Northern Territory Government, the homelessness sector, people with lived experience, and all contributors to this Strategy for their collaboration in shaping a shared path forward.”

Left to right Nathan Evans, Deputy CEO, Aboriginal Housing NT, Robyn Cahill, Minister for Children and Families Karen Broadfoot, A/CEO Department of Children and Families Annie Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, NT Shelter at the launch of the Northern Territory Homelessness Strategy 2025-2030.

Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill said the strategy is the result of one of the Territory’s most extensive consultations, involving more than 200 stakeholders and over 110 people with lived experience of homelessness, who shared their stories, insights and ideas to help shape its development,.

She said with NT homeless rates 12 times the national average, the Northern Territory Homelessness Strategy 2025–2030 sets a clear road map to prevent and reduce homelessness across the Territory.

“We know that helping people into secure housing leads to improved employment and school outcomes, and onto a pathway for a better life,” said Ms Cahill.

“Homelessness intersects with family violence, child protection, mental health and justice. It is not just a housing issue, it is a whole-of-community challenge that requires a co-ordinated, long-term response.

“We have listened to Territorians, and through this Strategy, we’re committing to act differently and do better, backed by investment, partnership, and accountability.”

The Strategy was launched at Yilli Housing’s short-stay accommodation facility in Darwin, with key representatives from the homelessness and housing sector, Aboriginal community controlled organisations, and domestic, family and sexual violence services.

Aboriginal Housing NT chief executive officer Leeanne Caton Aboriginal people make up nearly 90 per cent of the Territory’s homeless population which can’t be fixed without cultural safety, self-determination and place-based solutions.

“This Strategy recognises that and backs the leadership of Aboriginal organisations and communities to drive the change we need,” she said.

Originally published as New strategy released: CLP backs early intervention to tackle homelessness and root causes of crime