The main purpose of this Act is to provide effective recognition, protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage, based on respect for Aboriginal knowledge, culture and traditional practices. For achieving effective recognition, protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage, this Act provides for the recognition of Aboriginal ownership of Aboriginal human remains wherever held; of Aboriginal cultural heritage of a secret or sacred nature held in State collections; of Aboriginal cultural heritage that is lawfully taken away from an area by an Aboriginal party for the area. It aims at establishing a duty of care for activities that may harm Aboriginal cultural heritage; establishing powers of protection, investigation and enforcement; establishing a database and a register for recording Aboriginal cultural heritage and ensuring Aboriginal people are involved in processes for managing the recognition, protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Australie · 2003-11-06