Review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act concludes
The review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (the Act) has now concluded after 62 submissions were received in a second round of consultation.
The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell said that the Act requires a review of its efficacy and efficiency to be conducted after five years of operation.
Mrs Powell said she was pleased with the level of stakeholder involvement throughout the review process.
"I want thank all those people who took the time to provide submissions or contribute to consultation organised by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria between September 2011 and June 2012," Mrs Powell said.
Over the course of the review, which commenced on 1 September 2011, more than 140 written submissions were received from 89 different individuals and organisations. Approximately 165 people participated in over 30 face-to-face meetings, workshops and forums.
Mrs Powell said that a Summary Report has now been produced to complement the earlier publication of a Discussion Paper, including a Summary of Submissions and Consultation, an Issues and Options Paper, and PricewaterhouseCooper's report on the social and economic impacts of the Act.
Mrs Powell said that the findings of the review have been provided to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the establishment and effectiveness of Registered Aboriginal Parties, which will report to the Victorian Parliament later this year.
"I am looking forward to reading the report of the Parliamentary Inquiry and I can assure all Victorians that the Coalition Government will carefully consider both the report of the Inquiry and the findings of the Review before responding," Mrs Powell said.
Review publications, including public submissions and the Summary Report are now available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au
