• Section 1 - Introduction
• Section 2 - Audience
• Section 3 - Policy
• Policy Provisions
• Detailed Steps, Procedures and Actions
• Section 4 - Supporting Information

Section 1 - Introduction

(1) This policy applies to all individuals seeking to access benefits available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons within the University, and also provides a uniform means of establishing Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander Status within the University.

(2) Where uncertainty remains, the onus shall be on the applicant to prove Australian Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander status.

Section 2 - Audience

(3) All individuals seeking access to benefits available to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons within the University.

Section 3 - Policy

Policy Provisions

(4) Persons seeking to gain access to benefits designated specifically for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons will be required to provide evidence to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria for establishing Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status:-

1. that they are of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
2. that they identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
3. that they are accepted as such by the community in which they live or have lived.

Detailed Steps, Procedures and Actions

(5) Individuals seeking Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status shall provide documentary evidence which addresses the criteria, namely:-

(6) evidence of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent

(7) Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent may be proven by:-

1. birth records or genealogies verified by a suitable authority; or
2. at least one completed Evidence of Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander Status form signed by a prominent member of an incorporated Indigenous organisation.
3. evidence of self-identification as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. To demonstrate self-identification as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person the applicant should identify themselves as such on application and/or enrolment forms as applicable.
4. evidence of acceptance as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by the community. Acceptance as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by the community should be confirmed on a completed Evidence of Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander Status form signed by a prominent member of an incorporated Indigenous organisation from the community in which the applicant lives or has previously lived.

(8) Documentary evidence provided by the applicant shall be assessed by the relevant panel or responsible officer.

(9) The panel or responsible officer may conduct a full or random audit of evidence provided to ensure contact details and referees are correct and legitimate.

(10) The panel or responsible officer may request further information and/or an interview with any applicant where it determines that further verification is required or uncertainty exists.

Section 4 - Supporting Information

(11) Establishing Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander Status Form