Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975 (Tas) — permit to disturb relics
A permit from the Minister is required to disturb, destroy or remove an Aboriginal relic in Tasmania.
Who must comply
Landowners, developers, infrastructure proponents + agencies undertaking activity in Tasmania that may affect Aboriginal heritage.
What triggers it
Proposing to disturb, destroy, deface or remove an Aboriginal relic.
When due
Before commencing the activity — permit must be issued in advance.
Evidence required
Permit under s 14; Aboriginal Heritage Information System (AHIS) search; Aboriginal Heritage Council advice; consultation records.
Max penalty
Up to 10,000 penalty units (~$1.85M, FY26) or 5 years imprisonment for unlawful disturbance under the 1975 Act (as amended).
Summary
Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975 (Tas) (formerly Aboriginal Relics Act 1975) protects all Aboriginal relics. Section 14 makes it an offence to destroy, damage, deface, conceal or interfere with a relic without a permit. Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania administers the Tasmanian Aboriginal Heritage Register + assesses permit applications referred to the Aboriginal Heritage Council of Tasmania for advice. Reform process toward standalone cultural heritage legislation ongoing.
Enforced by
Topics
Source: https://www.aboriginalheritage.tas.gov.au. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.