Spoken Data Project
Bininj and Mungguy Country
Spoken Data Project
Reclaiming our data, strengthening our sector
NATSIHA is committed to making sure our sector’s data tells the real story, one that reflects the work of our sector and the needs of our communities. The SPOKEN project is about putting that data back into our hands, making sure it’s accurate, relevant, and community owned.
This is more than just setting a minimum benchmark—it is about embedding cultural integrity, community leadership, and accountability into the way housing is designed, delivered, and sustained. The collective work of the sector is establishing a strong foundation, and these standards will remain a guiding framework for housing outcomes now
Language
Storytelling
&
Lived Experience
The name SPOKEN comes from the way our people have passed down knowledge for over 65,000 years — through language, storytelling, and lived experience.
Whether it’s how to hunt, navigate Country, or sustain our communities, this knowledge isn’t written down — it’s taught, shared, and remembered through speaking and listening.
Our housing data should be no different.
Our Approach
SPOKEN is grounded in data sovereignty and self-determination.
All data is gathered directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Housing Organisations, with their consent and guidance. Information is aggregated and de-identified before it’s shared, ensuring community ownership and protection.
NATSIHA’s role is to coordinate this process safely and respectfully, bringing together the evidence that tells a collective story of strength, growth, and impact.
This approach ensures that the data is not just used to describe the sector, but to support advocacy, inform investment, and strengthen decision-making led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
Showing the strength in our sector
Show the true value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing organisations
Demonstrate impact across housing, workforce, and community development
Guide investment and reform, based on accurate, community-owned evidence
Track growth and change over time across all states and territories
Support truth telling, ensuring policy reflects lived experience and real outcomes
Looking Ahead
SPOKEN is a living project that will continue to grow.
By collecting data every two years, NATSIHA and the sector can track how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing is changing, how communities are strengthening their housing systems, creating local jobs, and building the foundations for long-term housing security.
This is about more than data.
It’s about voice, visibility, and evidence, showing the nation that our housing sector is strong, capable, and ready to lead the change.
Get Involved
SPOKEN relies on the voices and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Housing Organisations to tell the real story of our sector.
By contributing to the next SPOKEN data collection, your organisation helps build a national picture of our impact, strengthens evidence for investment and policy reform, and ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing data remains community-owned and governed.
Reach out to c.cora@natsiha.org.au if you would like to chat about the project.
