AHO’s new Eligibility for Services Policy now in effect

Launched today, the AHO’s new Eligibility for Services Policy advises Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs), the Homes Housing Services, Community Housing Providers (CHPs), AHO staff and the public about eligibility for accessing AHO services. 

Previously known as the AHO Confirmation of Aboriginality Policy, the revised policy strengthens the understanding that AHO supports Aboriginal people into services rather than confirms Aboriginality. A person’s Aboriginality is something personal to them and the AHO does not provide confirmation of anyone’s Aboriginality. 

The AHO acknowledges that confirmation of Aboriginality is a personal choice and that there may be circumstances in which a person may not have access or wish to obtain their confirmation of Aboriginality. 

The new Eligibility for Services Policy outlines:

• a clear distinction the AHO does not provide confirmation of Aboriginality 
• preferred evidence to access AHO services 
• reference to two AHO Statutory Declarations and a requirement table for their use
• extenuating circumstances to access short-term AHO services.  

This new policy will ensure the AHO's resources are allocated to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. We look forward to continued collaboration with partners and supporters on the roll-out of this important policy that supports Aboriginal people to access our services.

If you have questions about the policy, contact the AHO’s policy team via [email protected].