An investigation by the Queensland ombudsman Phil Clarke ascertains every sixth Indigenous child born in Queensland doesn’t have a birth certificate.
15% to 18% of Indigenous births were not registered, as woman often travel alone to remote areas to give birth, but both parents are required to register a birth.
This can impact the full integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in society, as they may not be able to enrol in school, obtain driver’s licences or vote.