Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage legislation
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 provide effective recognition, protection and conservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage, defined as anything that is:
- a significant Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander area or object in Queensland; or
- evidence, of archaeological or historic significance, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander occupation of an area of Queensland.
An area or object is significant because of either or both of the following:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander tradition
- history including contemporary history of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander party for the area.
The Acts:
- provide blanket protection of areas and objects of traditional, customary, and archaeological significance
- recognise the key role of traditional owners in cultural heritage matters
- establish practical and flexible processes for dealing with cultural heritage in a timely manner.
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