Protection Measures

​​​The new bill recognises that:

  • ​Aboriginal heritage is of significance to Tasmanian Aboriginal people

  • Tasmanian Aboriginal People are the custodians of their heritage

It introduces a stronger, more flexible protection framework built around these core concepts. The Bill retains some important concepts from the existing Act, in that it:

  • Protects Aboriginal heritage by default, and

  • Requires authorisation for impacts on known Aboriginal heritage 

A clear, modern approval system will provide approval processes ​​appropriate and proportionate to the risk of harm. Approval may be given through one of two instruments:  ​

  • Permit; or 

  • ​Management Plan 

​Permits ​​

A Permit is needed to authorise activities that represent small-scale or one-off impacts to Aboriginal heritage, with a new category of simplified 'administrative' permits for very minor impacts. A Permit is needed to authorise activities that represent smaller-scale or one-off impacts to Aboriginal heritage, and a new category of simplified 'administrative' permits is proposed for very minor impacts. Permits are also required for specified activities such as carrying out scientific research on an Aboriginal site, or the removal of an Aboriginal object from the State.

Management Plans ​​​

An approved Management Plan will be needed to authorise activities that are likely to have a large or ongoing impact on Aboriginal heritage, replacing the need for complex or multiple permits for the same, or closely related project(s). 


Management Plans will:

  • Describe the known heritage and the nature of the impact  ​

  • Identify how any impacts are being avoided or minimised 

  • Describe foreseeable and unavoidable impacts needing authorisation as part of ongoing activities

Management Plans can provide for higher levels of consultation and ongoing engagement with the Aboriginal community.  

Voluntary Agreements ​

Aboriginal Heritage Agreements, a new tool, are proposed to flexibly protect and manage Aboriginal heritage. The Aboriginal Heritage Council and landowners may enter into Agreements for agreed purposes and on specific terms, for example: to facilitate access to, or rehabilitation of important Aboriginal heritage.  ​​

More information​​

Go to Frequently Asked Questions​ for more information. ​