Get your submission in on the Tasmanian Aboriginal Heritage Bill!

Use any or all of the Submission text below for your submission. Copy it into an email and send it to aboriginalheritageact@heritage.tas.gov.au​ by 5PM on 6 July 2026.​

Additional resources:

• Aboriginal Heritage Bill
• A detailed submission guide,
• Statement read to Bridget Archer by TAC CEO, Rebecca Digney
• Michael Mansell’s essay on cultural ownership.

Submission text:

I write to express my concerns about the Tasmanian Government’s Draft Aboriginal Heritage Bill 2026.

Current Aboriginal heritage laws have failed to adequately protect Aboriginal heritage and have allowed the destruction of places, landscapes and cultural values that can never be replaced.

The draft Bill does not go far enough. The fundamental issue is ownership.

Aboriginal heritage was created by Aboriginal people and should belong to Aboriginal people. Just as non-Aboriginal historic heritage is recognised as belonging to those who created it and their descendants, Aboriginal heritage should be recognised in law as belonging to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

The Bill recognises Aboriginal people as custodians and knowledge holders, but it does not clearly recognise Aboriginal ownership, authority and decision-making power over Aboriginal heritage.

I am concerned that the proposed system continues to leave key decisions under government control rather than Aboriginal control. Aboriginal people should not simply be consulted about their heritage. They should have the authority to make decisions about it.

I also support stronger protection for cultural landscapes, cultural knowledge, language, stories, traditions and other forms of living Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal heritage is more than artefacts and archaeological sites. It includes continuing cultural relationships, knowledge and connection to Country.

Any new Aboriginal heritage laws should be based on self-determination and Free, Prior and Informed Consent, ensuring Aboriginal people are involved in decisions affecting their heritage from the beginning and have genuine authority within the process.

I therefore urge the Tasmanian Government to substantially revise or completely replace the draft Bill and work directly with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to develop legislation that:

• Recognises Aboriginal ownership of Aboriginal heritage.
• Ensures Aboriginal people have genuine decision-making authority over Aboriginal heritage.
• Establishes an Aboriginal-controlled heritage body chosen by Aboriginal people.
• Protects cultural landscapes, living culture and intangible heritage.
• Embeds Free, Prior and Informed Consent throughout the legislation.
• Provides protection for Aboriginal heritage that is at least equal to the protection afforded to non-Aboriginal historic heritage.

Aboriginal heritage is an irreplaceable part of Tasmania’s history, identity and future. Any new legislation should recognise and respect the rights of Aboriginal people to own, protect, manage and pass on that heritage to future generations.

Yours sincerely,

[Name, Suburb/Town]