Media Releases
Judy Jackson, MHA
Minister for Parks and Heritage
Sunday, 5 June 2005
New Tasmanian Aboriginal Heritage Legislation
The Minister for Parks and Heritage, Judy Jackson, today announced the start of consultation on new Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage legislation.
Ms Jackson said the State Government is committed to developing new legislation in partnership with the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, land owners and users as well as the broader Tasmanian community.
"Through a significant consultation process, we will work together to find agreement on the many and complex issues involved," she said.
"Aboriginal heritage is one of the State's most important cultural issues today but legislation in this area has not kept pace with changes in land use decision-making processes and environmental protection mechanisms.
"It is critical to provide certainty for the Aboriginal community and those who own land, seek to make a living from it or use it for recreation or leisure."
Ms Jackson said protection of Aboriginal heritage is the responsibility of all Tasmanians.
"The new legislation will respect and recognise the rights of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and will reflect, in a culturally sensitive manner, the values Tasmanian Aboriginal people place on their heritage," she said.
"They will have a pivotal role in the management of their heritage."
Ms Jackson stressed the importance of integrating the new legislation with current decision making process.
"It will need to create certainty, clarity, openness and transparency for land owners and users," she said.
"After decades of debate, the new legislation will deal with the realities of the past and anticipate the demands of the future."
This initiative is part of the State Government's commitment to progressing Tasmania Together Goal 10 - Acknowledge and respect the contribution that the Aboriginal community and its culture have made and continue to make to Tasmania and its identity, and Goal 21 - Value, protect and conserve our natural and cultural heritage.Further information: Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573
