ACU strives to ensure a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to achieve success in education. We ask for Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status (commonly referred to as a Confirmation of Aboriginality, Confirmation of Indigeneity, or a Confirmation of Torres Strait Islander Heritage) to ensure that the services and opportunities offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students retain their integrity and relevance to community. To be compliant with the Australian Government Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) guidelines, it is mandatory that ACU receive from each student, a Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status, or Statutory Declaration.

What is a Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status? 

Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status is confirmation from an incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait organisation and stamped with the common seal. This certification aligns with Australian Government requirements, and is a document which confirms that the student: 

• Is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent 

• Identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and  

• Is accepted as such within the community in which they live or have lived 

Why is a Confirmation of Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander Status required?

“Indigenous-specific services and programs are intended to address social, health and educational issues that Indigenous people face as the result of past removal policies and inadequate educational, employment and health services. Requesting proof of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage from applicants helps to make sure that this intention is honoured.” Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

A Confirmation of Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander Status can take time depending on your community and information available. ACU encourages all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to start the process as early as possible to enable access to specific support services including Scholarship assistance. 

Due to past removal policies and loss of connection to family, you may not have direct contact with community, however there are still plenty of options available to you. Visit the online AIATSIS Family History Kit for ideas on how to obtain proof of your heritage. Other options include, registered Indigenous Corporations or Link-Up organisation. Each state or Territory has their own organisations and contacts. 

Your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service will also be a recognised Aboriginal organisation, so they can assist you in your journey as well. Please see HealthInfoNet for a list of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health/medical services near you. 

Can a family member’s Confirmation be used if I don’t have my own?

A family member’s Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status will not be accepted for your own Confirmation. Students will be required to complete a Statutory Declaration to meet the Government designated application requirements.  

Should you supply a family members Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status, you must also provide proof that the person whose confirmation you have supplied is related to you. E.g., If you have supplied a grandparent’s Confirmation then you will need to supply your parent’s birth certificate that lists that grandparent, and then also provide your own birth certificate to show relation to your parent. By providing another person’s Confirmation (with other supporting documents), you are only meeting the requirements for proof of descent.

As part of your Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status, it is stated that you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, and are accepted within the community. 

Does every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student have access to a Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status?

Circumstances exist for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples where they were removed and disconnected from family or home communities, and placed in Institutions, Missions, and Reserves. The impacts of these Stolen Generation policies mean that family connections, documentation or family records proving their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage may have been lost and/or their connection to their home community has been deeply affected. 

What can I do if I can’t get a Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status?

A student can complete a legally binding Statutory Declaration, that has an attachment of a letter from a recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community member from their current or cultural community. This person should be a representative of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Organisation or Co-Op and not be related to you. ACU is aware that some students may be affected by family or cultural situations outside of their control. If this is the case, please contact your ACU Indigenous Higher Education Unit.

The declaration must state you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, that you identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and that you are known and accepted by your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. 

False Declarations

The Statutory Declarations Act of 1959 states that intentionally making a false declaration will result in 4 years of imprisonment. Additionally, each state also has regulations in place for knowingly making a false statutory declaration that can be applied instead. These include penalties of up to 7 years in prison and monetary penalties in excess of $9,900, which can be brought against you for falsely claiming and receiving assistance meant for First Nations peoples. 

If you cannot provide a COA

Circumstances exist for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples where they were removed and disconnected from family or home communities, and placed in Institutions, Missions, and Reserves. The impacts of these Stolen Generation policies mean that family connections, documentation or family records proving their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage may have been lost and/or their connection to their home community has been deeply affected.

A student can complete a legally binding Statutory Declaration, that has an attachment of a letter from a recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community member from their current or cultural community. This person should be a representative of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Organisation or Co-Op and not be related to you. ACU is aware that some students may be affected by family or cultural situations outside of their control. If this is the case, please contact your ACU Indigenous Higher Education Unit.

Download the Statutory Declaration form here

What is required for my Statutory Declaration?

ACU asks that any Statutory Declaration includes the following three statements:

• A statement that you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and that you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
• A statement regarding information you have about your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Family (please include names and details of where you are from)
• A statement about why you are not able to have your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Status confirmed by a Local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Land Council or another Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Organisation. Please include a reference from a representative of and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisation or Co-Op who is not related to you.

ACU is aware that some students may be affected by family or cultural situations outside of their control which will make it difficult to get a community reference. If this is the case, please contact your ACU Indigenous Higher Education Unit.

Contact the Indigenous Higher Education Unit

Please contact your Indigenous Higher Education Unit if you have any questions regarding the Confirmation of Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander Status or Statutory Declarations.

Dhara Daramoolen (Earth, Spirit)

Canberra Campus

Phone: 02 6209 1222
Email: dhara.daramoolen@acu.edu.au

Yalbalinga (Place of Learning)

Strathfield Campus, North Sydney Campus

Phone: 02 9701 4258
Email: yalbalinga@acu.edu.au

Weemala (Distant View)

Brisbane Campus

Phone: 07 3861 6122
Email: weemala@acu.edu.au

Jim-baa-yer (To Learn - To Teach)

Ballarat Campus, Melbourne Campus, Adelaide Campus

Phone: 03 9953 3004
Email: jimbaayer@acu.edu.au