[1] The Federal Government announced in May 2009 that work under the program had started in three locations, Groote Eylandt, the Tiwi Islands and Tennant Creek.
[2] The government has announced that at least 20 per cent of the local workforce will be indigenous, with the aim of creating longer-term employment outcomes for communities.
Work at Tennant Creek includes providing electricity, water, sewerage and roads to the town camps.
[2] The program has been criticised by indigenous leaders such as Alison Anderson and Galarrwuy Yunupingu for what they claim is excessive bureaucracy and overheads.
"[3] The local federal member of parliament, Damian Hale had earlier defended the program, citing the remoteness of the areas where the houses are proposed to be built.