Aboriginal people are invited to nominate for membership of the new Aboriginal Heritage Council.
The Aboriginal Relics Amendment Bill 2016, which passed both houses of Parliament earlier this month, includes the establishment of a new statutory body, the Aboriginal Heritage Council to advise the Minister.
Formalising the existence and functions of this new Council is one of the most important changes to the Act and I am keen to see it in place as soon as possible.
The Council will help to finalise some of the policy and information documents we need to have in place when the amendments come into force, likely to be in August. These include increased penalties for damage to Aboriginal heritage in line with penalties for damage to non-Aboriginal heritage.
In 2015 we committed to resetting our relationship with the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and this legislation is a demonstration of the significant progress we have made.
The passing of legislation is a significant achievement after considerable consultation with the Aboriginal people and other key stakeholders.
Nominations open 10 June and close on Friday, 30 June. Details are available at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au