The Andrews Labor Government is inviting Victorian Traditional Owners to apply for positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
The council’s membership is made up exclusively of Victorian Traditional Owners.
Its role is to strengthen understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage within the Victorian community, while ensuring responsibility for heritage sits with Traditional Owners.
Up to four member positions are available on the 11-member council, which is led by Rodney Carter as chair.
The responsibilities of the council include:
- being the central coordinating body responsible for ancestral remains in Victoria
- providing advice to the ministers for Aboriginal Affairs and Planning
- providing advice to the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet
- determining applications from Traditional Owner groups seeking to become Registered Aboriginal Parties
- promoting public awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage
- managing the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund
- facilitating research into Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria.
Victorian Traditional Owners who have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage and its regulatory environment, are residents of Victoria and have time to commit to council duties are strongly encouraged to apply.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gavin Jennings
“The council has done extraordinary work ensuring decisions around Aboriginal cultural heritage are led by Traditional Owners, not government.”
“Victoria is the better for their knowledge and dedication to protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, and in overseeing the return of Aboriginal remains and sacred objects.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Chair Rodney Carter
“I am proud of what council has done over the last decade to empower Traditional Owners and resolve the injustice to our people by appointing Registered Aboriginal Parties as custodians and managers of their cultural heritage.”
Reviewed 30 July 2020