Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
Data identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander defendants are available for selected states and territories. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status is based on self-identification by the individual who comes into contact with police, rather than the courts. The quality of the data is dependent on police asking individuals to self-identify and responses being recorded on police systems. Where individuals are not able to provide an answer for themselves, jurisdictions may accept a response where a next of kin/guardian provides the information. This information flows through from the police records to the courts records.
The ABS assesses the quality of data for each state and territory and each court level. Data quality can vary due to a range of factors - refer to Explanatory Notes paragraphs 57–60 for more information. The data presented in this publication have been assessed as being of sufficient quality for national reporting purposes. For ease of reading, 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status' may also be referred to as Indigenous status.
Quality Declaration 
Print Page
Print All