Government agencies and community organisations usually accept 3 ‘working criteria’ as confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. These are:
- being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
- identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person; and
- being accepted as such by the community in which you live, or formerly lived.
All of the above must apply.
For some Indigenous Portfolio Agency Boards, there is a legal requirement that the Chairperson and a prescribed number of Directors must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander persons.
To meet eligibility requirements for those positions and to be included on the Register, candidates will therefore need to provide the following evidence:
- a letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or
- a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation; or
- a statutory declaration made by you or a member of an Indigenous Service Provider confirming that you are recognised and an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Use the Statutory Declaration.