36.3.3 The child's age is unknown or uncertain

It is possible that the age of a child may be unknown or uncertain. This most commonly occurs in relation to children born overseas in countries where comprehensive birth records are not kept.

Where there is inconsistent information about a child's date of birth, and an official Birth Certificate issued by an Australian or foreign government is not available, it is suggested that reliance be placed on existing, official Commonwealth Government records unless there is considerable direct evidence that those records are incorrect. Appropriate records include:

• passports issued either in respect of the child or its parents
• entry documentation issued by the Department of Immigration
• family payment information held by the Department of Family and Community Services or Centrelink.

Care should be exercised if the only available documentation is based on information supplied by the child or their parents, e.g. school records, bank records, references, etc.