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22/12/2024

Defence Housing Australia (DHA)

Corporate form

DHA is:

  • a statutory agency for the purpose of the Public Service Act 1999 and
  • a Corporate Commonwealth Entity for the purposes of the PGPA Act.

DHA is wholly owned by the Australian Government represented by two Shareholder Ministers, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel.

Enabling legislation

The enabling legislation for DHA is the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act). The DHA Act:

  • establishes the main function of DHA in providing adequate and suitable housing for, and housing-related services to members of the Defence Force and their families, which contribute to Defence retention, recruitment and operational goals
  • establishes the additional functions in the provision of suitable housing and related services to officials of non-Corporate Commonwealth entities
  • confirms a broad range of powers for DHA which are relevant to its function
  • sets a maximum limitation on DHA’s capacity to enter into a contract without the prior written approval of the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel
  • authorises the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel to issue directions to DHA, which must be complied with
  • authorises the Board to establish committees to assist in the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers, and
  • establishes the DHA Advisory Committee an advisory committee which includes, among others, persons appointed by the Chief of the Defence Force.

Constituent documents

DHA does not have any separate constituent documents.

Capital structure

DHA is wholly-owned by the Commonwealth.

DHA does not receive funding directly from the Federal Budget. DHA has access to a government-provided debt facility and funds its operations through:

  • the receipt of fees and charges from Defence for its services
  • generating revenue from:
    • selling and leasing back properties through its Property Investment Program
    • the disposal of excess land and completed properties from its developments, and
    • the disposal of properties that no longer meet minimum Defence standards or requirements.       
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