The draft Aboriginal Heritage Bill 2026 is open for public consultation until 6 July 2026.
The draft Bill is for consultation on proposed legislation to replace the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975, modernising Tasmania’s laws in relation to the protection and management of Aboriginal heritage.
The draft Bill:
recognises the deep significance of Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage
recognises Aboriginal heritage as an expression of an enduring and living culture
acknowledges Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the custodians of their heritage
establishes a statutory Aboriginal Heritage Council as the primary decision maker
better aligns the management and protection of Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage with the processes of the Tasmanian Resource Management and Planning System
provides for a range of protection measures from education, permits and management plans, to practical compliance and enforcement powers.
More information on the proposed changes is available on the Public Consultation web page.