Cultural recognition orders

Disclaimer: Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned the following information may contain sensitive details about a sacred practice, protected under Ailan Kastom. Children are not encouraged to view this information without a parent or guardian present.

Any Torres Strait Islander adult who was gifted as a child, or any birth parent or cultural parent who is a part of the Ailan Kastom child rearing practice, can apply for a cultural recognition order. A cultural recognition order permanently transfers the legal parental rights and responsibilities for a child or adult from their birth parents to their cultural parents.

The Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020 (Qld) allowed the Ailan Kastom child rearing practice to be legally recognised and established a process for applying for legal recognition.

To learn more or to get started, speak to the Office of the Commissioner Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa.