Renters’ Rights Rundown: First Nations and Renting

Housing is more than just a roof over your head – it is a foundation for health, safety, wellbeing and self-determination. 

Yet First Nations people continue to face significant barriers to accessing safe, secure and affordable housing. These challenges occur within a broader rental market where affordability pressures, discrimination and power imbalances are making it increasingly difficult for many renters to exercise their rights and maintain stable housing. VCOSS Renting in Victoria 2026 report found that only 14% of rentals across Victoria were affordable for low-income households, while community sector workers continue to report widespread housing stress, discrimination and barriers to enforcing rental rights.  

Join VCOSS for this dedicate Renters’ Rights Rundown exploring the experiences of First Nations renters in Victoria and the role of tenancy law in advancing safer and more secure housing outcomes. 

This session will bring together First Nations leaders and legal experts to discuss: 

• Housing as a key social determinant of health and wellbeing

• The barriers and challenges First Nations communities face in the private rental market

• The importance of safe, secure and culturally appropriate housing

• How the Residential Tenancies Act can be used to support and protect First Nations renters

• Current gaps in the rental system and opportunities for reform

• Practical insights for frontline workers supporting First Nations renters. 

Speakers 

Aunty Jill Gallagher AO (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) 

Siobhan Doyle (she/her)
Principal Managing Lawyer, Civil Law and Human Rights Practice, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)  

Skye Gooch (she/her) 
Manager, Individual Support Services, Djirra 

Who should attend? 

This free session is designed for: 

• Community sector workers 

• Housing and homelessness services 

• Family violence practitioners 

• Financial counsellors 

• Community lawyers 

• Community health workers 

• Disability advocates 

• Social workers and case managers 

• Anyone supporting renters to understand and exercise their rights 

Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity for audience Q&A. 

Accessibility 

VCOSS is committed to making our events accessible and inclusive. If you require Auslan interpretation or have any accessibility requirements, please let us know when registering so we can support your participation.