Legislation, policy and research

Legislation

The department is responsible for the development and management of the Housing Act and their supporting Regulations.

The Residential Tenancies Act was established in March 2000, to replace the Housing Act which was established in 1998. Territory Housing and all tenants with lease agreements signed after 1 March 2000 must abide by the legislation and the lease conditions. For further information or if you have a lease agreement signed prior to this date please see the Territory Housing Operational Policy Manual.

Territory Housing also provide initial assistance with the interpretation of legislation relating to these Acts.

To be relevant to the community, legislation needs to be continually updated.

Territory Housing also acts under the Anti-Discrimination Act (NT), the Privacy Act 1998, the Criminal Code Act (NT), and the Information Act 2003. In accordance with the requirements of the Information Act, Territory Housing have adopted a Personal Information Access Policy  37 KB.

Policy and research

Policy provides us with a plan of action to guide decisions and outcomes to ensure all Territorians have access to quality and appropriate housing. The housing market is a rapidly changing beast – as such it is important that Territory Housing stay abreast of trends and national and international policy developments.

Policy also governs how Territory Housing operate such as Access Policy.

Before implementing new policy Territory Housing undertake extensive research and consultations through discussion papers, cabinet submissions, and seeking advice from the public and community leaders.

Territory Housing also work with Australian, state and territory governments, national working groups and peak bodies to ensure NT housing policy fits with national policy and approaches including the Housing Ministers Advisory Group, the Housing and Homelessness Policy Research Working Group, and the Homelessness Working Group.

This enables us to establish the minimum level of amenity, the minimum requirements for the design of remote, public and Government Employee Housing (GEH) throughout the Territory and the level to which existing housing will be upgraded as funding permits and within structural constraints.

Assisting clients access the private market

Over the last three years Territory Housing have seen a decrease in the number of new houses assisted through the Bond Assistance Scheme, which is attributed to an increase in private sector rental prices and low vacancy rates. Territory Housing are currently reviewing the Scheme and investigating alternative options to assist clients into the private market. 

The options include the development of an Affordable Rental Housing Company.

National Social Housing Survey

The Australian Government conducted the National Social Housing Survey from August to October 2010. This biennial survey looks at key aspects of service delivery and represents and opportunity to improve client services.

Results provide national benchmarking and are used in performance monitoring. Results have been used for in budget papers and annual reports.

Public Housing Review

The department is currently reviewing the public housing is delivered to better meet the needs of our clients by undertaking a wide-ranging review of the public housing system, including the role of non-government organisations and type of housing provided.

The review is also looking at changing public housing client needs to respond to changes with household demographics in the Territory and exploring options to develop capacity within the non-government sector to increase the range of housing options for Territorians.

Relevant legislation, such as the Residential Tenancies Act, has been reviewed for relevance to its functions and ensures it incorporates best practice.