Gina Rinehart commits $200m in record private spend to house homeless war heroes

Gina Rinehart will spend $200 million to buy properties to help Australia’s homeless veterans and war heroes – the biggest ever private spend on the country’s ex-service men and women.

Ms Rinehart confirmed Hancock Prospecting’s funding will go directly to acquiring suitable accommodation to help more than 6000 homeless veterans to get a roof over their head.

Veterans are three times more likely to be homeless than the average Australian.

Suitable buildings across Australia are currently being assessed for acquisition and conversion into quality residential accommodation for Australian veterans, with a focus on locations that enable access to employment, transportation, services and support.

Existing buildings such as hotels, motels, apartment blocks are being prioritised, as they can be rapidly repurposed without the years of approvals and delays associated with new construction, enabling ready-to-use accommodation to be delivered to veterans as quickly as possible, recognising the urgency of the need.

“Clearly, our contribution alone will not help enough homeless veterans, leaving around 6000 veterans still homeless. A different approach to the veterans housing crisis is badly needed, a crisis also effecting many other Aussies too.”

Ms Rinehart called on the government to immediately open the doors of military barracks currently unused or hardly used such as Leeuwin and Irwin in West Australia, to homeless veterans.

She also called for an end to the duplication of government departments across state and federal levels and said “empty offices could help to house rent free homeless vets, with more rooms available for those suffering from violence or abuse and needing safe places, or struggling Aussie pensioners”.

“Yes more curtains, crockery, cutlery, bedding, bathrooms, and some kitchens would need to be included, the reduction in the salaries of thousands of federal bureaucrats, could be put to good use, plus renting out spare offices if possible, could also bring income. Many businesses would benefit, supplying the foregoing.”

Ms Rinehart has been a log-time supporter of veterans through Soldier On, the SAS Resources Fund, Commando Welfare Trust, Legacy and the RSL.

She has already provided emergency veteran accommodation in her home state of West Australia.

The $10 million Sir Valston Hancock House, a dedicated veteran housing complex of newly refurbished units in South Perth, houses Aussie vets who are doing it tough and has been operating since September 2024.

This facility is run by the Australian Air Force Association WA Limited (RAAFA), to ensure beds are not left empty.

The facility has already provided approximately 3500 nights of accommodation to veterans who otherwise would have slept on the streets.

Named after her uncle, Air Marshal Sir Valston Eldridge Hancock, KBE, CB, DFC, who during World War II held many roles, before being appointed Chief of Air Staff from 1961 to 1965, the House provides comfort and safety for struggling veterans and, at times, their families.

Mrs Rinehart has also been the primary funder of the annual Lest We Forget Sunset Tribute at the Sydney Opera House on ANZAC Day Eve.

CEO of the Australian Air Force Association WA Limited (RAAFA) Michelle Fyfe said

“This ANZAC Day, RAAFA is proud to mark the extraordinary success of Sir Valston Hancock House, a program that is not only providing accommodation, but restoring dignity, stability and hope to West Australian veterans.

“Since opening in September 2024, Sir Valston Hancock House has demonstrated both its impact and the scale of the need. The facility reached full capacity within three months of opening, reinforcing what we have long known, that veteran homelessness is real, present, and growing in our community.

“Since opening, the program has delivered thousands of nights of safe accommodation, supported veterans into employment, reconnected individuals with their families, and most importantly, helped people rebuild their lives. Behind every number is a human story; veterans who have moved from living in cars or uncertainty to having a safe place to call home, often for the first time in years.

“Sir Valston Hancock House works because it is more than housing. It is part of an integrated model of care, connecting accommodation with advocacy, health services, employment pathways and long-term housing solutions. This “no wrong door” approach ensures veterans are supported holistically, not just temporarily.

“This initiative would not have been possible without the vision, leadership and generosity of Mrs Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting. Mrs Rinehart’s commitment to veterans goes far beyond this project. Her long-standing advocacy, investment and recognition of those who have served our nation has created something truly meaningful – a place that is changing lives every day. On behalf of RAAFA, and the veterans we serve, I extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks.

“Sir Valston Hancock House stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when purpose, partnership and leadership come together. It also highlights the work still to be done.

“We know demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly for older veterans and those with complex needs. The success of this program is driving RAAFA’s continued investment in expanding veteran accommodation and support services, including the Andrew Russell Veteran Living program.

“Our focus remains clear, to ensure that no veteran is left without support, without connection, or without a place to call home.”