| The Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld) (the Act) is an 'Act to make provision for Torres Strait Islander heritage' (long title). The main purpose of the Act is 'to provide effective recognition, protection and conservation of Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.' (see Part 1, Division 2). Five fundamental principles underlie the main purpose of the Act. These are that:
'(a) the recognition, protection and conservation of Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage should be based on respect for Torres Strait Islander knowledge, culture and traditional practices;
(b) Torres Strait Islander people 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 Islander people 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.' (Part 1, Division 2, s 5). |
