Principles to practice - Understanding the Governance of Indigenous data framework
Moderator
Nattlie Smith, Branch Manager, Strategic Insights, National Indigenous Australians Agency
Nattlie (Natt) Smith is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Condobolin/Orange in NSW and the Branch Manager for the Strategic Insights Branch, National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). Natt oversees 5 teams ranging from data insights, Closing the Gap Priority Reform 4 (data), Governance of Indigenous data, research partnerships and impact measurement to the evaluation centre. Natt is also NIAA's Indigenous Data co-champion and Evaluation champion.
Panellists
Terrina Ahern, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Office of the Chief Economist
Terrina leads the Data Culture and Capability team at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). Terrina is responsible for embedding Priority Reform Four of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap across the Department and is committed to building a data capable workforce. Terrina and her team support DEWR’s commitment that all staff have a level of data literacy and confidence to use data effectively in their roles. Terrina works closely with DEWR’s Chief Data Officer and AI Accountable Official to ensure data and AI are used ethically and effectively to deliver better outcomes.
Tracey McMartin, National Indigenous Australians Agency, Director Governance of Indigenous Data
Tracey McMartin is the Director of Governance of Indigenous Data at the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), where she leads work to implement data governance practices that provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people greater agency over how their data are governed data. With a career spanning policy and program evaluation roles across the Australian Public Service, Tracey brings deep experience in policy design, cross‑government coordination, and Indigenous affairs.
