Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 (NSW)

Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 No 51

An Act relating to Aboriginal languages.

WHEREAS (a) The languages of the first peoples of the land comprising New South Wales are an integral part of the world's oldest living culture and connect Aboriginal people to each other and to their land— (b) As a result of past Government decisions Aboriginal languages were almost lost, but they were spoken in secret and passed on through Aboriginal families and communities— (c) Aboriginal people will be reconnected with their culture and heritage by the reawakening, growing and nurturing of Aboriginal languages— (d) Aboriginal languages are part of the cultural heritage of New South Wales— (e) It is acknowledged that Aboriginal people are the custodians of Aboriginal languages and have the right to control their growth and nurturing— The Legislature of New South Wales therefore enacts:

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Name of Act This Act is the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017.

2 Commencement This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation.

3 Definitions (1) In this Act— Aboriginal language means a language, or dialect of a language, of the traditional custodians of the land comprising New South Wales. Aboriginal language activity means an activity intended to reawaken, grow, nurture, promote or raise awareness of Aboriginal languages. Aboriginal languages strategic plan means the plan for the growth and nurturing of Aboriginal languages prepared and approved under section 13 (as amended under section 14). Aboriginal person has the same meaning as in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. function includes a power, authority or duty, and exercise a function includes perform a duty. Trust means the Aboriginal Languages Trust constituted by this Act.