(IMAGE: Flickr, Albert Llausas)
A First Nations lawyer has welcomed laws being implemented in Victoria for the purpose of protecting First Nations knowledge and culture, saying it makes the state a leader in cultural protection.
The Victorian Government has amended the state’s Aboriginal Heritage Act to include protections for First Nations stories, songs and dance.
The amendments will see First Nations people register their cultural assets and will include fines of up to $1.5million for a business and up to $280,000 for an individual who exploits Indigenous knowledge or culture for commercial purposes.
Meriam woman Terri Janke says it’s a clear way of recognising protection.
