The Tasmania Aboriginal Centre has criticised proposed changes to the states’ Aboriginal Heritage Act, saying they don’t go far enough.
The Government is looking to introduce changes that would incur tougher penalties for vandalism and remove the 1876 “cut-off” date for defining what is Aboriginal heritage would also be removed.
It also says it will “explore” the potential for scaled offences in association with the defence of ignorance of Aboriginal relics.
Tasmania Aboriginal Centre chief executive Heather Sculthorpe told ABC Hobart the proposal doesn’t allow for Indigenous ownership of heritage.
The consultation period for the changes closes on 31 July. View the full amendment proposal here.
Image: www.bobbrown.org.au
