The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 recognises Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP) as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
As an independent statutory body, we make decisions on who can become a RAP in Victoria.
Role of RAPs
RAPs are the primary source of advice and knowledge on matters relating to Aboriginal places or Aboriginal objects in their region. Their core functions include:
- evaluating Cultural Heritage Management Plans
- assessing Cultural Heritage Permit applications
- making decisions about Cultural Heritage Agreements
- providing advice on applications for interim or ongoing Protection Declarations
- entering into Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Land Management Agreements with public land managers
- nominating Aboriginal intangible heritage to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register and managing intangible heritage agreements.
Victoria's Registered Aboriginal Parties
See Victoria's Registered Aboriginal Parties or search the online map to find a Registered Aboriginal Party for an area of Victoria.
Become a Registered Aboriginal Party in Victoria
How to apply
Variations to Registrations of Aboriginal Parties
Understanding section 155 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
Complaints against Registered Aboriginal Parties
A formal mechanism for people to bring to Council’s attention their complaints about the manner in which a RAP discharges its functions under the Act.
Policy on suspending, revoking or imposing conditions on the registration of a RAP
Sections 154A and 157 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 give the Council the power to impose a condition upon, suspend, or revoke the registration of a Registered Aboriginal Party.
Working with a Registered Aboriginal Party under Special Administration
A Registered Aboriginal Party under Special Administration is still permitted to perform its statutory functions.
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