A Confirmation of Aboriginality is an official letter that is approved by a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or the land council of your mob.
It should not be assumed that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people require a confirmation letter to be recognised as such, however, you may be asked to provide proof or confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage when applying for Aboriginal specific services or programs such as:
- Financial Assistance for grants, housing applications, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Housing/business loans
- University/TAFE courses
- Centrelink and housing assistance (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander specific)
- Employment - An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Identified Position
How do I obtain Confirmation of Aboriginality?
Please contact your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or Land Council to seek advice on the application process. Each service will have different policies and procedures. You can check out our service directory for information on your local services.
Definitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as defined below
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Cth) defines Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander heritage as:
- Aboriginal person means a person of the Aboriginal race of Australia
- Torres Strait Islander means a descendant of an Indigenous inhabitant of the Torres Strait Islands
The Children Youth and Families Act 2005, Part 1.1, section 3, defines an Aboriginal as a person who:
- Is descended from an Aborigine or Torres Strait Islander; and
- Identifies as an Aborigine or Torres Strait Islander; and
- Is accepted as an Aborigine or Torres Strait Islander by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island community.