Minister Macklin must continue to seek a solution

 

 

 

 

NTCOSS has called upon the federal government to resume genuine negotiations with Tangentyere Council in the interests of the town campers of Alice Springs.

 

“We urge the Minister to return to the negotiating table with Tangentyere Council and adopt a

flexible and open-minded approach in examining the range of options which might satisfy the requirements of both parties” said NTCOSS executive Director, Wendy Morton, today.

 

Meeting the housing needs of Indigenous Australians is a complex task. Successful housing management requires a detailed understanding of cultural considerations, so that tenancy arrangements can be harmonious.

 

There may be an opportunity to explore models of joint partnership between Tangentyere and other housing providers, which will both meet the Minister’s requirements and give the town camp housing associations a real say over their own futures.

 

Such a partnership would improve tenancy management and property allocation processes as well as ensuring a continued relationship of trust between tenants and housing management.

 

“We would encourage the federal government to explore community-based housing models that build the capacity of organisations and individuals, rather than to focus on options involving the take-over of the camps” commented Ms Morton.

 

The Minister has indicated that she will proceed to compulsorily acquire the camps only as a last resort. NTCOSS agrees that a negotiated settlement would be a much more satisfactory result for all concerned. NTCOSS believes that an effective solution can only be found by ensuring people have a voice in their future.

 

“We are hopeful that the government and Tangentyere Council will continue to negotiate towards the achievement of a mutually satisfactory outcome” concluded Ms Morton.