Gina Rinehart pledges $200m to house homeless veterans in record private commitment ahead of ANZAC Day

Billionaire Gina Rinehart has donated $200 million to tackle veteran homelessness just days ahead of the nation pausing to remember the nation’s service men and women.

The Hancock Prospecting executive chairman today confirmed the record-breaking commitment, which will be used to acquire and repurpose hotels, motels, and apartment blocks into residential accommodation for homeless veterans and war heroes.

The $200 million injection is believed to be the largest private commitment to help find housing for struggling Australian veterans — a cohort that is three times more likely to be homeless than the average Australian.

Ms Rinehart, who was named the Honorary Guardian of Australian veterans by Soldier On Australia, said the scale of the crisis was unacceptable given the service these “heroes” had provided to the nation.

“I am pleased to confirm that Hancock Prospecting is committing $200 million to help struggling veterans after their service to our nation,” Ms Rinehart said.

“I was shocked to learn recently that more than 6000 veterans are homeless. This is unacceptable. I hope that others will also actively and generously help to lessen this tragedy.”

The initiative follows the success of the $10 million Sir Valston Hancock House in South Perth, a dedicated veteran housing complex that has provided about 3500 nights of accommodation since it opened in September 2024.

Run by the Australian Air Force Association WA, the South Perth complex reached capacity within just three months of opening.

RAAFA chief executive officer Michelle Fyfe said the facility was about more than just a roof, providing an integrated model of care that connected veterans with health services and employment pathways.

“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, ” Ms Fyfe said.

“We know demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly for older veterans and those with complex needs... our focus remains clear, to ensure that no veteran is left without support, without connection, or without a place to call home.”

Ms Rinehart suggested the Federal Government immediately change their approach.

“A different approach to the veterans housing crisis is badly needed, a crisis also effecting many other Aussies too,” Ms Rinehart said.

“Firstly, military barracks currently unused or hardly used such as Leeuwin and Irwin in West Australia, and others around the country, the government should consider the veterans, and immediately open those doors to homeless veterans.

“My second suggestion, we cannot afford this extra layer of duplicated federal government. States have the same departments ... these federal departments must close.

“The 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.”