Who we are and what we do
DHA is one of Australia's most successful Government Business Enterprises (GBE). Established in 1988, its primary role is to provide housing and related services to Defence members and their families in accordance with the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) and supply agreements with the Department of Defence.
DHA sits within the Defence portfolio and reports to Senator the Hon. David Johnston MP, Minister for Defence, and Senator the Hon. Mathias Cormann, Minister for Finance, as Shareholder Ministers. Responsibility for operational matters affecting DHA was delegated to the Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon. Stuart Robert MP.
In fulfilling its role, DHA contributes to Defence retention, recruitment and operational goals. It is also required to maintain a strong balance sheet and to meet shareholder return obligations, including the payment of dividends to Government.
DHA is active in Australian residential housing and investment markets, with award-winning development, construction, acquisition and leasing programs.
It is one of the largest residential property and tenancy managers in Australia, with 18,577 properties under management, worth approximately $10 billion. Approximately 13,000 properties are managed on behalf of investors with whom DHA has lease agreements.
DHA is a major residential land developer, with more than $1.0 billion committed to projects in most capital cities and many major regional centres where it is difficult to obtain retail land from established developers that meet DHA's requirements.
DHA buys and constructs properties with assistance from the private sector and purchases new and established properties as required.
Capital to meet provisioning commitments is generated by selling and leasing back selected properties, selling land and excess property from major developments and disposing of surplus and non-compliant properties.
DHA is committed to creating vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities that bring Defence members and home owners together.
DHA's vision and mission
DHA strives for excellence in the provision of its housing and accommodation services by supplying quality, integrated community solutions; by achieving an exceptional degree of client and customer satisfaction; by providing excellent, environmentally-sound and economic housing that fits community needs; and by achieving financial results that meet or exceed shareholder and investor expectations.
Corporate objectives
To achieve the mission and to fulfil the outcomes desired by Shareholder Ministers, DHA set six strategic objectives:
- Housing supplied and managed effectively to meet Defence requirements.
- Sustainable long-term financial position and strong corporate governance.
- Enhanced customer service.
- Good stakeholder management and public relations.
- Motivated, engaged and productive staff.
- Information technology solutions that enhance the business and customer service.
This Annual Report describes DHA's performance against these objectives.
DHA's values
These values contribute to workplace harmony and improve the way business is conducted. Staff members are encouraged to apply these values consistently in all aspects of their behaviour.
DHA's staff must also comply with the Public Service Act 1999 and uphold and promote the Australian Public Service values and code of conduct.
