The warning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers in Australia alerts them that content may include images, voices, or names of deceased people, which can be culturally distressing due to traditions of avoiding the dead to show respect and protect the grieving, with standard wording like: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following program/website may contain images, video and voices of deceased persons". This practice honors cultural protocols and sensitivities, preventing potential offense or pain to families and communities, and sometimes extends to avoiding general terms or locations named after the deceased.
Most television stations use a disclaimer warning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers that the program may contain images and voices of dead Indigenous people (as recommended by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation). The avoidance period may last one or more years.
The Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme provided ex-gratia payments to Stolen Generations survivors. The reparations aimed to acknowledge historical injustices faced by Stolen Generations survivors. The amount provided to each recipient was $75,000.
The standard three-part test for Aboriginality in Australia requires a person to prove they have Aboriginal descent, self-identify as Aboriginal, and be accepted by an Aboriginal community as such, a test originating from court cases like Mabo and adopted for many government programs, though the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) uses a simpler self-identification for census data, while the descent and community acceptance elements are key for specific benefits and employment.
Sensitivity warnings serve to: • Provide an alert that the material may contain information that is culturally sensitive. • Provide the opportunity to choose not to view the material. • Demonstrate respect for culture and community.
These principles are: • Self-determination • Participation in decision making • Respect for and protection of culture • Equality and non-discrimination. When people are working and operating within the frames of the UNDRIP, they are working in a culturally safe manner.
In some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, hearing recordings, seeing images or the names of deceased persons may cause sadness or distress and in some cases, offend against strongly held cultural prohibitions.
No, Aboriginal people don't automatically get more money in standard Centrelink payments like JobSeeker or Pensions; the amounts are the same for everyone with similar circumstances, but there are specific, culturally focused programs, like ABSTUDY for students or extra childcare subsidies, and specialized support (Indigenous Service Officers) to help close gaps from historical disadvantage, rather than extra cash.
'Aborigine' is generally perceived as insensitive, because it has racist connotations from Australia's colonial past, and lumps people with diverse backgrounds into a single group. You're more likely to make friends by saying 'Aboriginal person', 'Aboriginal' or 'Torres Strait Islander'.
No, a DNA test cannot definitively prove Aboriginality because identity is cultural and social, not just genetic, though it can confirm biological descent from Indigenous Australians by showing shared genetic markers. DNA tests are limited by incomplete reference data and the complexities of genetic inheritance, meaning a lack of detection doesn't negate ancestry, and the results only show potential origins, not cultural affiliation, which requires self-identification and community recognition.
Yes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are eligible for significant free or subsidised healthcare, primarily through the Medicare system, including free annual health checks (715 checks), support for chronic conditions, mental health services, and cheaper medicines under the Closing the Gap (CTG) program, helping address health disparities. These programs provide access to tailored care, early detection, preventative services, and essential medications.
Aboriginal people buying their own home can access government incentives for home buyers that reduce the time it takes to save enough to enter the housing market or that remove some of the costs that can be a barrier to becoming home owners.
The $20 million paid for the Aboriginal flag's copyright went to Luritja artist Harold Thomas, the flag's designer, and the license holders, with the Australian Federal Government acquiring the rights in 2022 to make the flag freely available for public use, ending long-standing disputes and licensing issues. The deal also included funding for an Indigenous student scholarship and directing royalties to NAIDOC.
Yes, saying "Koori" (or "Koorie") is generally okay and respectful when referring to Aboriginal people from southeastern Australia (Victoria, NSW), as it's a regional identifier, but it's always best to use specific Nation/community names if known, or general terms like "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples" if unsure, as these terms have specific cultural meanings and show respect for diversity.
To speak the deceased's name is to risk calling the spirit back to the real world, where it may cause destruction. Over the past century, these beliefs have – for some communities at least – changed to include text, photographs and film as well as speech.
The top 10 issues Australians say are the most concerning
An Australian with an Aboriginal bloodline. Today, there is a growing pool of such people in the general Australian population, thousands of individuals with Aboriginal ancestry who have grown up culturally white.
To be respectful of the cultural significance and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, terms such as 'mob', 'Aunty/Uncle', 'tidda', etc should only be used by First Nations peoples or by those who have been given explicit permission from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
The term "Walkabout" was recognized by early colonial settlers as a distinct form of travel linked to Aboriginal communities. However, this term was sometimes used in a derogatory manner, implying irresponsibility, especially within labour contexts.
From 5 January 2026, families can now get 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in their care, regardless of their level of recognised participation. The government pays child care services, who pass the subsidy on to you as cheaper fees.
- Approximately 70 per cent of young Indigenous adults (aged 20-24 years), are not fully engaged with work or education. Approximately 50 per cent of Indigenous adults are reliant on some form of welfare payment and for young people (aged 15 to 24 years) the proportion is only slightly lower.
Through the Indigenous Home Ownership Program (IHOP), IBA offers concessional home loans to First Nations people who cannot access mainstream lending. IHOP loans have: low introductory interest rates. low deposit requirements.
'Sorry cuts', are wounds that a person may inflict to themselves to “let the blood flow and bring a release of pain”. Key factors to be aware of when. working with Aboriginal or Torres. Strait Islander clients.
The tradition not to depict dead people or voice their (first) names is very old. Traditional law across Australia said that a dead person's name could not be said because you would recall and disturb their spirit. After the invasion this law was adapted to images as well.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, avoidance of eye contact is customarily a gesture of respect. In Western society averting gaze can be viewed as being dishonest, rude Page 2 or showing lack of interest.