Paramount has been selected to establish New South Wales’ Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) most significant organisational and services reform program to date.
The AHO – a directorate within the Department of Family and Children’s Services – focuses on delivering better housing choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW.
The AHO will establish a comprehensive program for transferring the state government’s Aboriginal housing portfolio to Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs) that gain accreditation under the new National Registration System. This includes handing over more than 1200 properties by December 2019 and all properties by 2022.
Aboriginal Housing Office Chief Executive Shane Hamilton confirmed Paramount’s engagement.
“I’m excited about the reforms the AHO will continue to achieve in 2017 with the housing transfer program very much a centrepiece of the reform process. Among a suite of benefits, the transfer of assets and associated management responsibility will generate higher property management standards and improved access to affordable, quality housing.
“It was critical to partner with an organisation that understands our environment, and this appointment reflects Paramount’s extensive experience in the field of Aboriginal social housing.“
Paramount will scope and provide advice in establishing the program. Led by Partner Chris Smith, the project team has extensive experience in delivering housing services across Australia, including property transactions, capital and maintenance programs and the company’s niche area of Aboriginal social housing.
As with all Paramount’s work in complex policy and organisational reform settings, this undertaking highlights the importance of working closely with the client team and establishing numerous opportunities for stakeholder engagement. This practical ‘on-the-ground’ approach ensures recommendations are fully assessed and gain support.