Human Rights Act 2019

Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold distinct cultural rights.

Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples must not be denied the right, with other members of their community—

to enjoy, maintain, control, protect and develop their identity and cultural heritage, including their traditional knowledge, distinctive spiritual practices, observances, beliefs and teachings; and

to enjoy, maintain, control, protect, develop and use their language, including traditional cultural expressions; and

to enjoy, maintain, control, protect and develop their kinship ties; and

to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual, material and economic relationship with the land, territories, waters, coastal seas and other resources with which they have a connection under Aboriginal tradition or Island custom; and

to conserve and protect the environment and productive capacity of their land, territories, waters, coastal seas and other resources.

Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the right not to be subjected to forced assimilation or destruction of their culture.