STATEMENT BY NT SHELTER and NTCOSS
Wednesday 3 December 2025
NT Shelter and NTCOSS Respond to High Court Ruling on Remote Rent Framework
NT Shelter notes today’s unanimous High Court decision regarding the Northern Territory Remote Rent
Framework. The Court found that elements of the rent-setting process did not afford procedural fairness
to remote public housing tenants and has ruled the resulting rent increases invalid.
The decision relates to rent changes introduced in 2023 that shifted remote public housing rents from
an income-based arrangement to a per-bedroom based rent model, resulting in higher rents for many
households across thousands of homes in remote Northern Territory communities.
This judgment has important implications for the administration of rent-setting in public housing and
highlights the need for clear, transparent processes that are understood by tenants and consistently
applied.
As highlighted by Aboriginal Housing NT, the impacts of the Remote Rent Framework have been felt
beyond remote communities, with some tenants moving into urban centres in search of more
affordable accommodation.
This ruling underscores the importance of genuine engagement with Aboriginal communities in the
development of housing policy.
Quote:
“In a jurisdiction experiencing 12 times the national rate of homelessness, ensuring people are able to
maintain stable housing is critical. If housing becomes unaffordable, people fall into rental arrears, sleep
rough or contribute to crowding at other homes. This adds pressure to every other system – it doesn’t
make social or economic sense.” Attributable to Annie Taylor, CEO NT Shelter.
“We know that people living remotely experience significantly higher costs of living – rent increases only
add to that pressure. It is positive to see that any future model will need to involve meaningful
consultation – we must work to ensure that all Territorians can access affordable housing and meet their
basic needs.” Attributable to Sally Sievers, CEO NTCOSS
-ENDS Contact: Lauren Aldridge / (08) 8985 4389