$15.9 million boost for employee housing in WA's north west

•  Cook Government announces new $15.9 million grant program to deliver new, refurbished or spot purchased homes for Aboriginal employees
• Applications open to Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions
• Funded through the State Government's $200 million North West Aboriginal Housing Fund

The Cook Government has announced a new $15.9 million grant program to boost housing options for Aboriginal employees working in Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations (ACCOs) in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

The ACCO Aboriginal Employee Housing Grants Program will increase housing supply in the regions, through a combination of new builds, spot purchase and refurbishment of existing homes.

The grant program is funded as part of the State Government's $200 million North West Aboriginal Housing Fund and will support eligible ACCOs to apply for funding to deliver accommodation assistance and career development opportunities for their workforce.

ACCOs will be required to demonstrate how training and career development will be provided to Aboriginal employees supported under the program and will report on progress over a minimum of five years.

The program aims to support and further enhance the valuable work led by ACCOs across the State's north west, by providing secure and stable housing for employees and their families.

Applications close on 30 August and further details can be found online via ACCO Aboriginal Employee Housing Grants Program (www.wa.gov.au)

Comments attributed to Housing Minister John Carey:

"The grants will allow ACCOs to continue their great work in the State's north west, providing secure and stable housing for their employees, and supporting their longer-term career development and financial wellbeing.

"The program will contribute to improved community service delivery through a strengthened ACCO sector and boost liveability for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

"The Cook Government continues to support Aboriginal organisations in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions to deliver employer-provided housing to their workers.

"A home provides stability, safety and connection to community and is at the core of improving a person's overall wellbeing.

"Our landmark North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund and this Government's continued reforms are supporting housing options and funding for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley and the Pilbara."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"The Cook Labor Government's announcement of a $15.9 million grant program under the North West Aboriginal Housing Fund to improve housing opportunities for Aboriginal workers is a significant step forward in supporting ACCOs and enhancing housing options for Indigenous employees and their families."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"This is welcome news for our passionate and hard-working ACCOs in the Pilbara region and I am confident this will assist great outcomes for many Aboriginal employees.

"Creating stronger employment and housing security for Aboriginal people will ensure Aboriginal led community services continue to thrive in the area."