Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage

• What is cultural heritage

  The Cultural Heritage Unit is responsible for administering the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

• The cultural heritage duty of care

  The duty of care applies to any activity where Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage is located.

• Cultural heritage search request

  Persons carrying out activities that may impact on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage can request information from the database and register.

• Cultural heritage database and register

  The purpose of the database is to assemble information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage in a central and accessible location as a research and planning tool.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statutory parties

  The cultural heritage Acts identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parties who should be involved in the assessment and management of cultural heritage.

• Cultural heritage bodies

  The sole function of a cultural heritage body is to identify the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander parties for an area and serves as the first point of contact for cultural heritage matters.

• Cultural heritage management plans

  A Cultural heritage management plan is an agreement between a land user (sponsor) and Traditional Owner (endorsed party).

• Compliance and enforcement

  The department, in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, is responsible for investigating activities that have allegedly breached Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage legislation.

• Human remains

  Guidelines to assist with the discovery, handling and management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human remains.

• Cultural heritage studies

  A cultural heritage study is a comprehensive study of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.

• Designated landscape areas

  Designated landscape areas are recorded on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage register.