The NT Indigenous Community Housing Survey: Progressing housing maintenance for better health and safety

Abstract:

The Indigenous Community Housing Survey (ICHS) assesses remote Indigenous housing maintenance requirements to increase the longevity and safety of houses, and promote conditions that are conducive to improved resident health. The survey was instituted by the Indigenous Housing Authority of the NT (IHANT) in 1998 and redeveloped during 2004 as the result of a review and a subsequent collaborative project between the Department of Health and Community Services Environmental Health Program (DHCS/ EHP); the Indigenous Housing Branch of the Department of Community Development Sport and Cultural Affairs (IHB/DCDSCA) and Menzies School of Health Research (MSHR). The bi-annual survey is now underway throughout the Territory, with over 60% of community surveys completed. This article describes the history and aims of the survey, its implementation, links to health, and a limited analysis of findings to date.