The Wire

A new report into Indigenous housing is recommending a major overhaul. The Federal government review by Price Waterhouse Coopers has found the $380 million community housing and infrastructure program should be scrapped. This may not be a viable solution as many Indigenous Australians may be forced into a mortgage, a predicament Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma says most could not afford. Director of Health Habitat Paul Pholores says that maintaining existing homes is a key to better health. The establishment of a new organisation does not ease the concerns of Central Australia Policy Officer of NT Shelter Jonathon Pilbrow. He says the new body may not vastly improve living conditions for most Indigenous families.