Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003

The object of this part is to make rules about ownership, custodianship and possession of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The basic intent underlying the rules stated in this part is that Aboriginal cultural heritage should be protected.

A supporting intent is that, as far as practicable, Aboriginal cultural heritage should be owned and protected by Aboriginal people with traditional or familial links to the cultural heritage if it is comprised of any of the following—

Aboriginal human remains;

secret or sacred objects;

Aboriginal cultural heritage lawfully taken away from an area.

Another supporting intent is that Aboriginal cultural heritage of the type mentioned in subsection (3)(a) or (b) that is in the custody of the State, including the Queensland Museum, should continue to be protected by the State until it can be transferred into the protection of its Aboriginal owners.