Understanding how policy and tenancy management conditionality can influence positive housing outcomes for Indigenous Australians

Tenants, government and Indigenous/intermediary organisations assume a diversity of responsibilities and are often seeking different tenancy outcomes. Despite differences however, there is evidence of a recognition space occurring. Culturally-based values and practices significantly affect the ability of Indigenous tenants to comply with social housing tenancy conditions (the rules) and to achieve and maintain tenancies. Some housing officers are more flexible in frontline practice to support tenants more fully. State Housing Authorities (SHAs) are administering new policies that require greater responsibility from the tenants. Comprehensive and rigid policy application across a diverse range of contexts can be counter-productive, preventing the development of a productive recognition space. This research supports the need for more devolution to intermediary organisations and frontline workers, in order to develop local implementation plans and mutually agreed measures.