Minister for Housing and Community Development Gerry McCarthy said it is pleasing to hear that the Federal Government recognises how serious Territory Labor is about improving the lives of people living in the bush.

“We made an election commitment to tackle the housing deficit seen in our remote communities by investing a record $1.1 billion into our remote housing program Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes,” he said.

“The announcement yesterday by Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion to match this ten year program dollar for dollar is a welcomed one.

“I look forward to meeting with Minister Scullion in the coming weeks to finalise the details.

“It is also critical that the Federal Government matches our $50 million per annum land servicing commitment to support the delivery of the housing program.

“A recent report released by the Federal Government highlighted that the Northern Territory has more than half of the nation’s remote housing deficit with the least capacity to pay for it.

“This underlines the importance of the Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments working together to address the need.

“Since September 2016 more than 780 houses have been built or improved across remote communities. This latest announcement from Minister Scullion means we can continue on that path of improving the lives of people living in the bush.

“With Room to Breathe Early Works continuing in a number of communities across the Territory, and our first Homebuild NT tender being released this week, 2018 will be an exciting year delivering improved housing for remote Territorians.”