Under the proposed legislation, Tasmanian Aboriginal people will be recognised as the custodians of their heritage and have a central role in decision making.
The Aboriginal Heritage Council will be the primary decision-making body, made up of five to seven members with appropriate skills and experience.
The Bill sets out the powers and functions of the Council in relation to Aboriginal heritage, such as to:
Determine Permits, Management Plans and Agreements
Provide advice on significance, need for Audits, or Protection Orders
Develop and publish guidance materials
Support public education and awareness activities
Those functions must be performed in accordance with the State’s Resource Management and Planning System objectives set out in Schedule 1 to the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.
The Bill sets out how the Council will perform its powers and functions including matters for consideration, and the introduction of statutory timeframes for Permits.
Administrative decisions may be appealed to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Visit Frequently Asked Questions for more information on decision making under the new Act.