Registry’s outreach bolsters birth certificate quests

Aboriginal people can now obtain essential identity documents as part of the WA Government’s expansion of the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages’ community engagement work.

Historic practices meant many Aboriginal people did not have birth certificates, which created issues when applying for other identity documents, such as driver’s licences and passports.

The Registry’s work to extend its reach in regional and remote communities has been assisted through partnerships with Aboriginal organisations and collaborating with research agencies.

As a result of the Registry’s work, Attorney General Dr Tony Buti recently presented a commemorative birth certificate to 88-year-old Goldfields resident Maisie Harkin, a member of the Stolen Generations.

Anthropological profile of Maisie at age 15.

Born on Country in the Great Victoria Desert, the Nanatadjarra woman had been unsuccessful in previous attempts to obtain a birth certificate.

This time the Registry – with Ms Harkin’s consent – worked with researchers at Aboriginal History WA to locate a document from an Aboriginal mission which included details of her parents and a date of birth.

The Registry’s Community Engagement Team regularly conducts regional visits across the State to work with communities to identify and reduce barriers to accessing Registry services and help people obtain identity documentation.

Maisie during her nursing training.

That includes issuing birth certificates for people of all ages, from babies and school children to the elderly.

Registry staff also participate in the Department of Justice’s Aboriginal Justice Open Days held in metropolitan, regional, and remote areas to help people access government services at one location.

“The Registry is dedicated to providing certificates for people of all ages who were born in Western Australia, regardless of where they live or the circumstances of their birth,” Attorney General Dr Tony Buti said.

“A birth certificate is a cornerstone identity document that is fundamental to things like opening a bank account, getting a driver’s licence, or obtaining a passport, as well as accessing critical services and entitlements.”