Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) has provided culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people for more than 50 years. AHL’s recently released Social and Economic Impact Report, highlights AHL’s far-reaching value for every dollar invested.
The report’s findings demonstrate that AHL’s accommodation services for First Nations people create significant benefits and value for residents, state and territory governments and the Australian Government.
In 2024, AHL commissioned the Nous Group (Nous) to conduct an independent analysis of the social and economic impact of AHL’s services, with a particular focus on AHL’s contributions towards Closing the Gap outcomes.
Nous used this analysis to produce the Social and Economic Impact Report. The data highlights AHL’s significant role, as both a stepping stone for First Nations people accessing vital services and as a safe haven in times of need.
AHL is more than just an accommodation provider – AHL’s hostels enable First Nations people to travel away from home to access a range of services including medical care, education and employment opportunities.
A key finding in the report was that AHL creates $5.19 of value for every dollar invested, translating to a $356.7 million benefit in 2023–24.
Key findings:
- Health and medical outcomes: AHL’s hostels offer a crucial gateway for residents to access medical treatments and health services. This has led to an improved life expectancy for many, with approximately 6.5 additional years of life expectancy for residents undergoing renal dialysis treatment. It has also helped approximately 3,300 First Nations mothers to access antenatal care.
- Education and employment outcomes: AHL supports more than 300 students by providing them with culturally safe accommodation while they undertake their studies, along with the opportunity to strengthen culture and connections to community. AHL has supported more than 50 residents to gain access to employment opportunities, while also directly employing 139 First Nations employees (44 per cent of AHL’s workforce).
- Safe accommodation: AHL provides a secure place for people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence and transitioning from prison or out-of-home care. In 2023–24, AHL’s hostels provided more than 260,000 bed nights to avoid rough sleeping and overcrowded conditions.
Economic impact: The report revealed that for every dollar invested, AHL generates $5.19 in value, translating to $356.7 million in benefits for the 2023–24 financial year. These benefits are shared amongst AHL residents, state and territory governments, and the Australian Government through improved health outcomes, income growth from education and employment, and reduced costs in the health and justice systems.
Cultural safety: AHL stands out by ensuring that its services are culturally safe and appropriate. AHL’s commitment is reflected in the hostels exclusive use by First Nations residents, employment of culturally competent staff, and embedding respect and understanding of First Nations cultures in all aspects of its operations.
Methodology: Nous used a cost-benefit analysis model to identify direct monetary benefits for residents and savings for funders. The model was developed in line with the cost-benefit analysis framework produced by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office of Impact Analysis. The cost-benefit analysis was supplemented by qualitative research and analysis of outcomes for residents, staff and communities.
About AHL: AHL is a not-for-profit company wholly owned by the Australian Government, dedicated to providing affordable, culturally safe accommodation and meal services for First Nations people. Operating since 1973, AHL remains committed to supporting health, education, and employment opportunities for First Nations communities across Australia. AHL has 42 hostels across all states and territories except Tasmania and the ACT. There are 3 hostel categories: Multipurpose, Health and Medical and Secondary Education.
For more information and to read the full report, please visit ahl.gov.au/resources.
Quotes attributable to Chair, AHL Board, Anthony Ashby:
‘AHL provides a home away from home for First Nations people when they need it most and by doing so, eases the pressure on hospitals, shelters, boarding schools, community facilities and other support services.
‘AHL is a vital service, providing accommodation for almost 20,000 First Nations people every year. This report demonstrates that in doing so, AHL is adding substantial value to every dollar it spends.
‘This report demonstrates how AHL’s provision of culturally safe and affordable accommodation contributes towards positive life outcomes for First Nations people. It explains in social and fiscal terms how AHL’s services in the affordable accommodation space have a positive impact on state and territory governments, Australian Government and local communities.’