Pay The Rent is organised by First Nations and non-First Nations people working together, as the Pay The Rent Grassroots Collective. This Collective is a national organisation based on the lands of the Kulin Nation in so-called Victoria, Australia. 

We pay our respects to those who have developed and promoted the Pay The Rent concept – including Bruce McGuinness, Bejam Kunmunara Jarlow Nunukel Kabool and the National Aboriginal and Islander Health Organisation (NAIHO).

We have benefited enormously from the input of many Aboriginal Elders, scholars and activists, as well as in sharing ideas with other groups (e.g Balaangala (Qld) and researching similar historical initiatives (e.g Fitzroy Pay The Rent group).

After extensive conversations and consultations, the Pay The Rent Grassroots Collective was established under the ‘Sovereign Body, Administration Arm’ model. This model allows for a Sovereign Body of First Nations people to make decisions about how resources are allocated, while an Administration Arm of conscientious non-Aboriginal people undertakes the logistical and administrative work. This organisation model is unique and is based on right relationships and the respective responsibilities we have to each other, to communities and to place. 

The Sovereign Body is a group of dedicated First Nations people who undertake a collective responsibility to redistribute rent and resources directly to communities in line with the vision and principles of PTR.

The Administrative Arm manages systems to respond to the wonderful influx of people who are engaging and contributing rent. They manage the website; respond to inquiries from conscientious individuals, organisations and businesses interested in Paying the Rent; and develop systems to support the organisation.. 

Pay The Rent is a not for profit company registered with ASIC.

Key principles of the Pay The Rent:

• Paying the Rent is about non-Indigenous people actively and practically honouring the Sovereignty of Aboriginal people; it is a way of giving back when living and benefiting on unceded and stolen land.
• Rent is not charity. Rent is rent. 
• Aboriginal people should have control of any Rent received

• This model for Paying the Rent transfers money/wealth on a grassroots to grassroots basis; it doesn’t involve governments or big business.

PTR creates opportunities to give back in other ways as well, this includes volunteering in campaigning and advocacy efforts with a focus on protecting First Nations rights and support needs.

To contact us please email contact@paytherent.net.au

Pay The Rent ⇓