BLIGH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES REVIEW OF QLD’S INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE LEGISLATION

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace today announced a review of the State’s Indigenous cultural heritage legislation.

"This review is timely in light of NAIDOC week, which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Mr Wallace said.

"I am pleased to announce this review which will consider whether the Acts are providing effective recognition, protection and conservation of Indigenous cultural heritage across Queensland.’’

Mr Wallace said the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 each stipulated that the legislation had to be reviewed within five years’ of commencement.

"The review will identify whether the legislation has fulfilled its key objective, which is to recognise Indigenous people as the primary authority on Indigenous cultural heritage and its management," he said.

"The review is really about assessing the performance of the existing legislation."

Mr Wallace said that it was good practice to review new legislation to hear first hand if there were ways to improve the legislation.

As part of a broad consultation strategy, a Consultative Committee will be established to inform the review’s consultation strategy. The Consultative Committee will consist of the following groups:

* Aboriginal Consultative Group;

* Torres Strait Islander Consultative Group; and

* Stakeholder Consultative Group.

Mr Wallace said the Bligh Government would write to relevant organisations to seek their interest in membership of the respective consultative group to assist with the consultation process.

"As part of the consultation strategy, a review paper would be released inviting the community to make submissions relating to the effectiveness of the legislation since it commenced in 2004."

Media contact: Paul Childs, Minister Wallace’s office, 0407 131 654.