Hancock Prospecting opens new veterans housing complex in Brisbane

Keighran, who still resides in the Queensland capital having earned his Victoria Cross while serving with the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, attended the opening of the new accommodation complex and heard directly from veterans whose lives have been transformed as a result.

Veteran Housing Australia, which operates one of Gina Rinehart’s dedicated veterans housing facilities in Perth, will manage operations of the new Norman Park accommodation alongside the Salvation Army.

Gina Rinehart AO confirmed another three recently refurbished residential complexes across Brisbane, with two having already reached full capacity, and the third expected to welcome veterans next month.

“After the opening of our first two Perth properties for veterans this year, plus the earlier Sir Valston Hancock House, we’re pleased to be able to provide more accommodation for veterans and their families, this time in Brisbane,” Rinehart said.

“With a federal government that seems more determined to sell our unused or scarcely used barracks to support their excessive spending and waste – including many facilities that have significant historical and sentimental value to those in uniform or who have served – rather than opening them up to our approximately 6,000 homeless veterans, it is necessary to find suitable accommodation around the country to help fix this national disgrace.

“I hope more veteran organisations, even those who receive some government funding, add their voices to the public calls for the immediate opening of these underused defence facilities for the benefit of our veterans who are sleeping rough.

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“Stable secure housing is the basic foundation needed to help turn homeless veterans’ lives around. Skills veterans have already acquired while serving, such as carpentry, plumbing, mechanical, could be used to help maintain existing barracks, together with any clean-up and painting needed.

“What really makes my blood boil, is that veterans who have fully earnt their inadequate pensions, are restricted from working as much as they may want or need, or if they did work over the tiny amount our government permits, their pensions would suffer.

“Veterans should and must be able to work, as much as they may want, without an expensive, intrusive bureaucracy over them, and just have their earnings taxed, as we do. This uncaring expensive policy is preventing many veterans from being able to save for a home, or even pay for rent, especially during this high cost-of-living crisis time. I have long called for this.”

The accommodation offers veterans stable and secure housing and a place to call home and takes the total number of apartment blocks acquired across Australia under Rinehart’s commitment to six.

These add to the “Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG Beach Houses”, opened in June in Scarborough, Western Australia, followed by the “Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Apartments” which opened in South Perth in July.

Rinehart also previously provided housing support to veterans through Sir Valston Hancock House, a dedicated complex of refurbished units, also in South Perth, which has provided more than 3,500 nights of accommodation since opening in September 2024 to veterans who otherwise would have slept rough.

The facility is named after her uncle, Air Marshal Sir Valston Eldridge Hancock KBE CB DFC, who during World War II held many active roles, before being appointed chief of air staff from 1961 to 1965.

“Those who have served our nation face unique challenges as they transition back to civilian life. Many land on their feet, but for many others, unforeseen hurdles get in the way and take them on a path that no veteran should have to endure. Mrs Rinehart has stepped up for these veterans in a way never seen before,” Daniel Keighran VC said.

“Veterans, even those in need, rarely ask for a helping hand, so being here at this wonderful facility and seeing up close the real difference Mrs Rinehart’s vision and generosity has made for these very deserving Australians will stay with me for years to come.

“What matters most about this facility is the dignity it gives veterans at a time when they may need it most. Mrs Rinehart has provided more than a roof over someone’s head; she has provided stability, support and, importantly, an opportunity to get back on their feet.

“Australians who have served their country deserve to know that, if circumstances turn against them, they won’t be forgotten.”

Hancock Iron Ore operates a dedicated Veterans Employment Program, providing meaningful, long-term career opportunities for former Australian Defence Force members across operational and corporate roles. Support features include a structured peer support network, a veteran “buddy” system, chaplaincy support and support of the “Military Excellence Scholarship” through Bond University.

“The acquisition and operational delivery of the Brisbane site represents yet another phase in Mrs Gina Rinehart’s commitment of $200 million to address veteran homelessness,” Veteran Housing Australia CEO Rob Miller said.

“The delivery of these homes under the proven ‘Housing First’ model is clear evidence of Mrs Rinehart’s commitment to make meaningful change, not just talk about the issue.

“To my knowledge, no commitment or project – current or past – has ever been undertaken on such a scale in Australia, and VHA’s team and board are incredibly excited to be involved.”