New Defence housing HQ officially opens in Gungahlin

Joint media release: 

• Senator for the Australian Capital Territory, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator the Hon Zed Seselja

The brand-new, state-of-the-art Defence Housing Australia (DHA) head office has officially opened in the Gungahlin CBD, moving hundreds of jobs to the northern suburbs of Canberra, and improving conditions for staff working to provide homes for Defence members and their families.

The relocation from the DHA Barton and Fyshwick offices will mean around 240 staff can work together in one location, and benefit from a modern workplace.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, and Senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, today officially unveiled the new premises.

“Providing housing for the men and women who serve this nation, and their families, is fundamental to the ability of our Defence members to do their jobs, knowing their loved ones at home have security and comfort,” Minister Gee said.

“The staff at DHA do an incredible job delivering these vital services, providing around 17,350 homes right around the country.

“This brand-new building will also accommodate a Defence Working Hub which will allow around 30 personnel the flexibility to work outside of traditional Defence office locations.

“Minister Seselja has been like a terrier on this issue, not only securing the promise, but delivering the project through to completion.”

“This is a significant milestone not only for our Defence members and their families, but for the local Gungahlin community,” Senator Seselja said.

“Delivering on my election commitment, this is the first Commonwealth agency to be based in the Gungahlin Town Centre and it’s going to be a major boost for local businesses.

“Local shop owners are already seeing the benefits of this influx of new customers and I’m sure the flow-on effects for local small businesses will be a driver for Gungahlin’s economic future and prosperity.

“Gungahlin is a booming region of the ACT and it’s important we match the residential growth with more local employment opportunities.

“I will always fight for our town centres. I fought for Social Services to stay in Tuggeranong, Home Affairs to remain in Belconnen, and now I’ve secured the first Commonwealth agency to Gungahlin home.”

The construction of the Gungahlin building commenced in July 2020 and was completed last month.

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