The First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance and the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, have developed a co-design partnership to modernise and reform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage protections.

This process is informed by a national engagement process, with Stage 1 consultations concluding in [July] 2022.

Arising from Stage 1 consultation is the Directions Report and Options Paper linked to below.

The Directions Report details the outcome of Stage 1 consultations, while the Options Paper sets out 3 possible options for Commonwealth legislative reform.

Stage 2 consultations have commenced with limited targeted consultations occurring in Northern Australia and broader First Nations, public, and industry consultations being scheduled for early 2023.

The consultations are focusing on the 3 models outlined in the Options Paper, seeking the views of First Nations peoples and organisations from around the country, as well as the views of all State and Territory governments, and stakeholders in industry and the wider community.

For further information and to book a stage 2 consultation please email the Alliance Secretariat.

Download the Options Paper (reform models arising from consultations)

Stage One Consultations

Concluded June 2022

The engagement was predominantly conducted online.

Invitations were extended to:

• First Nations people and organisations – particularly FNHPA member organisations
• State and territory governments
• Industry – including the mining sector, investors, and business peak bodies

Stage 1 consultations provided the basis for the three reform options outlined in the options paper

The list of  all stage one consultations is available in the Stage One Directions Report.

Stage 1 discussion paper – download here

Implementation Plan – download here

Implementation Plan Terms of Reference – download here

Access Australian Government information on this process – here