New Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 co-design process in phase two, creating guidelines for sacred sites

The co-design supporting the new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act continues with the release of key draft documents to be considered in more than 40 workshops around the State. The modern framework will provide recognition, protection, conservation and preservation of Aboriginal heritage and sacred sites, as well as understanding of the importance of those sites to Aboriginal people. The first phase of co-design included consultation from previous workshops, used to form the next iteration of draft guidelines. The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council compromises two chairpersons and up to nine members, with the majority being Aboriginal people. The draft documents can be viewed online, and there is an option to nominate to join the heritage council and to register to attend one of the workshops. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said the State Government was working with Aboriginal organisations, industry representatives and communities to design key regulations and guidelines for the 2021 Act. “This next phase of co-design continues our collaboration with Aboriginal people and organisations across the State to ensure we develop clear guidance for traditional owners, land users and the community,” he said. “These laws are a significant shift in how Aboriginal cultural heritage is managed. It is a vastly improved legislative framework which ensures Aboriginal people are consulted without coercion, to prioritise agreement making and to increase penalties for non-compliance.” Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, July 22. Draft document consultation will remain open until Friday, August 19. It is understood the new laws will come into affect in mid-2023. To view the draft documents or make a submission visit https://wa.gov.au/ach-act.