Heritage Assessments to focus on Indigenous Culture

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The recognition of Indigenous Cultural Heritage will be prioritised in upcoming assessments for the Commonwealth and National Heritage lists.

Nominations for both lists will open from 2 December to 25 February, and Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley has asked the Australian Heritage Council to prioritise Indigenous Cultural Heritage for the assessment period.

“Of the 118 sites on the National  Heritage list—a list that includes places such as the Parkes Observatory in New South Wales, Erawondoo Hill in Western Australia, Quinkan Country in Queensland and lesser-known gems such as Dirk Hartog’s Landing Site in Western Australia—37 are currently recognised for their Indigenous culture and it is time to address that number,” Minister Ley said.

“The Australian Government is committed to modernising the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage, and it is vital that Indigenous people are involved in the preservation of our nation’s iconic sites.”

The recent Indigenous Ministerial Roundtable of State and Territory Ministers with responsibility for Heritage and Indigenous Affairs, chaired by the Minister Ley and Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, highlighted the importance of protecting Indigenous heritage in partnership with Indigenous Australians.

At the Roundtable, the Australian Heritage Council presented Dhawura Ngilan: A Vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage in Australia, and Best Practice Standards for Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management and Legislation. Authored by the Indigenous Heritage Chairs of Australia, this is a powerful document which emphasises the significance of Australia’s Indigenous heritage.

“Heritage is the legacy of our past, and our bequest to future generations,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage is central to Australia's national story.

“I encourage the community to consider nominating special places with outstanding heritage value to the nation, particularly sites of Indigenous cultural significance.”

Nominations for both the Commonwealth and National heritage lists will open on 2 December 2020 and close on 25 February 2021.

To find out more or to nominate a site visit Nominating a heritage place.

National Heritage List

• The National Heritage list recognises and protects places that reflect our unique landscapes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and our development as a nation.
• Each year, more places are included on the List as our national story unfolds and understanding of our heritage deepens.

Commonwealth Heritage List

• The Commonwealth Heritage list recognises and protects places of significant natural, Indigenous or historic value for Australia. Places on the Commonwealth list can be entirely within a Commonwealth area, or if outside Australia, owned or leased by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency.
• The Commonwealth Heritage List currently includes 388 sites from across Australia, its territories and overseas, and contains places connected to defence, maritime safety and communications. Three of these are listed explicitly for Indigenous values.