Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld)

Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003

An Act to make provision for Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage

Part 1 Preliminary

Division 1 Introduction

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

2 Commencement This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.

3 Act binds all persons (1) This Act binds all persons including the State and, to the extent the legislative power of the Parliament permits, the Commonwealth and the other States. (2) Nothing in this Act makes the State liable to be prosecuted for an offence.

Division 2 Purpose of Act

4 Main purpose of Act The main purpose of this Act is to provide effective recognition, protection and conservation of Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.

5 Principles underlying Act's main purpose The following fundamental principles underlie this Act's main purpose— (a) the recognition, protection and conservation of Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage should be based on respect for Torres Strait Islander knowledge, culture and customary practices; (b) Torres Strait Islanders should be recognised as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage; (c) it is important to respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of Torres Strait Islander communities and to promote understanding of Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage; (d) activities involved in recognition, protection and conservation of Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage are important because they allow Torres Strait Islanders to reaffirm their obligations to Island custom; (e) there is a need to establish timely and efficient processes for the management of activities that may harm Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.