2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference launch today at Gold Coast Entertainment Centre

THE co-chairs of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, Jackie Huggins and Rod Little, know only too well the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing needs in this country.

“We have joined with Indigenous Peoples from across the world to bring together strong voices. Calling for our Rights to Shelter and Safe Housing.” said Mr Little, co-chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples.

"For too long we have had the embarrassment of Third World housing in remote Australia, this is whilst the nation has enjoyed economic booms which have not benefited our peoples or our communities. This is hidden from the United Nations. No more! 

"It’s time to join our brothers and sisters from around the world. This is a call to all first peoples to come join our partners NATSIHA to find solutions," he said.

"We have been guided our brothers and sisters in Canada where the inaugural conference was held in 2012 to here today, the 20th November 2018, on the Gold Coast at the Entertainment Centre to launch the 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference. 

"Headlining our launch will be a message from the Hon Jackie Trad, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships."

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples co-chair Dr Jackie Huggins said, “This is serious business, time for solutions with advice from those that live in our Australian communities and communities across the world. We have attempted to negotiate with the Federal government, participated in government policies and not enough has occurred to support communities and families."

"The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, as the peak organisation with over 9000 individual members and 180 organisations, is seizing this opportunity with both hands for the change that is needed. We have waited far too long. It’s time for change, shelter is a human right.

"This media launch is an opportunity to call out to Indigenous people from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to come together for change."

Mr Little said, “Our Peoples know the importance of adequate and affordable housing is to education, health, safety and well-being of families. This conference will highlight that whilst governments squabble over money, basic needs and rights are being ignored, health is declining at alarming proportions and poverty increases.

"A change is coming is the theme song that translates to a basic human right. Come and join us to alert the world that the clock is ticking for the 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference."

For more information about the World Indigenous Housing Conference, visit: www.2019wihc.com

ABOUT NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES
 
National Congress is the peak organisation representing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. National Congress was established following extensive consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and leaders and has represented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the federal level since 2010. National Congress represents close to 10,000 individual members from across Australia as well as over 180 peak and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

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