Aboriginal heritage legislation set for historic overhaul

Aboriginal heritage legislation set for historic overhaul
Thursday 7 March 2019

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt has today released a discussion paper for public consultation that is set to modernise Aboriginal heritage legislation.

The discussion paper for the review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 sets out proposals to recognise, protect, manage and celebrate the places and objects that are important to Aboriginal culture. Importantly, it also identifies a framework for efficient land use by industry and other land users.

Among the recommendations are changes to how heritage is defined, so it better reflects a living culture that is central to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people. 

Traditional owners and knowledge holders would be actively engaged in decision making for heritage places to which they have a connection, through the establishment of local Aboriginal heritage services and an Aboriginal Heritage Council.

Read the discussion paper and have your say

Read the media statement

Page last reviewed 7 March 2019
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