From 1 January changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 have come into effect. Learn more about the changes.
What to do if you find Aboriginal heritage?
If you discover something you believe might be an Aboriginal site, object or ancestral remains, do not touch or disturb them.
Potential human remains
If you find anything that looks like human skeletal remains, do not touch or disturb them.
Call the police on 131 444.
If safe to do so, protect and secure the area until police can attend.
The police will determine whether they are Aboriginal ancestral remains.
Aboriginal sites or objects
If you discover an Aboriginal site or object, you must stop any activity around it.
Leave everything in place and contact Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation:
- Phone: (08) 8429 9406
- Email: aar.conservation@sa.gov.au including the location and photographs.
Discovery of Aboriginal sites and objects fact sheet (PDF, 155.3 KB)
Management of Aboriginal Heritage
Under section 23 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988, it is an offence to damage, disturb or interfere with an Aboriginal site, object or remains without an authorisation from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
Early engagement with the relevant Traditional Owners or RARB is encouraged to ensure projects are planned to minimise the risk of damage to Aboriginal heritage. Requests for authorisation under section 21 and section 23 can be submitted to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs together with a local heritage agreement made with a RARB.
Managing Aboriginal Heritage in South Australia (PDF, 905.8 KB)
Authorisations and agreements
To lodge an application, we strongly recommend:
- Selecting the application form you require
- Reviewing the form
- If you are seeking authorisations under sections 21, 23 or 29, read the guidance sheet (PDF, 225.6 KB).
- Calling or emailing to discuss your application.
Once you complete these steps, you should submit the form using the relevant details.
Ministerial authorisation(s)
Used to seek authorisations under sections 21, 23 or 29 of the Act.
Complete an application for Ministerial Authorisation (DOCX, 1.8 MB).
Need assistance?
Read the guidance sheet. (PDF, 225.6 KB)
Discuss or submit your application:
- Phone: 8429 9401
- Email: AAR.CIR@sa.gov.au
Please note: applications currently take 9 - 12 months to be decided, following receipt of a completed application and accompanying documents.
Division A2 Agreements
Contains heritage management provisions made with an Aboriginal group (usually the Registered Native Title Body Corporate) under an act other than the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA), which has been approved by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
Complete an application for a Division A2 Agreement (DOCX, 34.4 KB)
Discuss or submit your application:
- Phone: 8429 9413
- Email: aar.heritage@sa.gov.au
Aboriginal Heritage Guidelines
- Recognised Aboriginal Representative Bodies (PDF, 975.3 KB)
- Division A2 Agreements (PDF, 959.4 KB)
- Local Heritage Agreements (PDF, 992.7 KB)
- Aboriginal Heritage Registers (PDF, 897.0 KB)
- Negotiating in Good Faith (PDF, 1.0 MB)
Fees
Listed are the fees that apply to the following applications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Approval of local heritage agreement under section 19I of the Act | $308.00 |
| Approval of agreement under section 19M of the Act | $308.00 |
| Search of Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects – basic search | $30.50 |
| Search of Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects – extended search | $91.50 per hour (or part there of) |
| Authority under section 21 of the Act (where no accompanying local heritage agreement) | $308.00 |
| Authority under section 23 of the Act (where no accompanying local heritage agreement) | $308.00 |
| Authority under section 35 of the Act | $308.00 |
Fee exemptions
Section 8(2) of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2017 allows for the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to provide exemptions from the prescribed fees to specified persons or bodies. Exemptions have been granted to:
- Aboriginal organisations, as defined under s.3 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988
- Students and researchers who conduct, direct, or assist research into Aboriginal heritage.
Applicants who believe they are eligible for the exemption are required to substantiate this claim by completing the Application for fee exemption.
Application for fee exemption (PDF, 746.8 KB)
For more information, contact us.