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When you request an IHI using a form, you need to provide certified copies of your identity documents. Only acceptable referees based in Australia can certify copies of your identity documents.
Your referee can’t be any of the following:
- your family member or relative
- your business partner or business owner.
The following individuals are acceptable referees. Your referee must be based in Australia when they certify your documents.
Individuals in some government roles
Individuals employed as an officer or employee by certain Australian government organisations are acceptable referees. They must have been employed for at least 5 years. This includes if they were employed for part of that time as an officer and for part as an employee. They need to have been employed by any one of the following:
- the Commonwealth, a state or territory
- an authority of the Commonwealth, a state or territory
- a local government body of a state or territory.
Any of the following are also an acceptable referee:
- a member of parliament or a state parliament
- a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory
- a Commissioner of Oaths of a state or territory.
Medical practitioners
Any of the following medical practitioners in Australia are an acceptable referee:
- a registered or licensed dentist, medical practitioner, pharmacist or veterinary surgeon
- a registered nurse.
Legal professionals
Any of the following legal professionals in Australia are an acceptable referee:
- a legal practitioner, registrar, clerk, sheriff, bailiff, judge or master of a federal, state or territory court
- a stipendiary magistrate of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory
- a justice of the peace of a state or territory.
Members of council or community elders
Any of the following, based in Australia, are an acceptable referee:
- a member of a municipal, city, town, district or shire council of a state or territory
- an individual who, in relation to an Aboriginal community, is recognised by the members of the community to be a community elder
- an individual who, where there's an elected Aboriginal council that represents the community, is an elected member of the council.
Other professionals
Any of the following, based in Australia, are an acceptable referee:
- a member of the Australian police force, state or territory
- a full-time teacher or principal at an educational institution who’s been employed for at least 5 years
- a manager of a post office
- a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants or the National Institute of Accountants.