DNA latest weapon in Aboriginality row
Some Tasmanians have had DNA tests to try to prove they're Aborigines, with mixed results.
But an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission committee determining eligibilityfor an electoral roll hasn't decided whether to accept DNA as evidence.
A total of 2,752 objections have been received to about 1,100 of the 1,298 people whoapplied to go on the roll.
An ATSIC source says the committee has approved about 600 people. It's believed about350 have been excluded from the roll.
JOHN PRESSER, who runs a private forensic science consultancy, says about 20 peoplehave paid $100 each to be DNA tested and five results have come back from the Universityof Arizona.
Two show no Aboriginal descent, one shows descent from DOLLY DALRYMPLE, one of Tasmania'sAboriginal matriarchs, and one shows descent from Victorian Aborigines and one from QueenslandAborigines.
An ATSIC source says the DNA issue hasn't come up yet, so the committee hasn't yetdecided whether or not to consider it.
AAP RTV dw/ldj/rp G
KEYWORD: ABORIGINES TAS (HOBART)
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