Establishment of Recognised Aboriginal Representative Bodies (RARBs) is a key part of the changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA) (Act) proclaimed on 17 October 2017.

Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) and Maralinga Tjarutja (MT) were granted RARB status at proclamation.

A RARB is an incorporated body that can enter into local heritage agreements with proponents to manage impacts on Aboriginal heritage. RARBs must ascertain and represent the views of all Traditional Owners in relation to the Aboriginal heritage within the RARB’s area of responsibility.

RARB appointments are approved by the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee, and may be for:

  • a specified area of land
  • a specified Aboriginal site or sites
  • a specified Aboriginal object or objects
  • specified Aboriginal remains.

Electing and Applying to become a Recognised Aboriginal Representative Body

RARB Register

Current elections / applications

There are no elections / applications to be appointed as a Recognised Aboriginal Representative Body currently open for public submissions.

Local heritage agreements

A RARB may enter into local heritage agreements with land-use proponents so that impacts to Aboriginal heritage are managed in culturally appropriate ways and in agreement with the Traditional Owners.

A local heritage agreement is a standard agreement under the Act that deals with the impact of the proponent’s activities on any Aboriginal heritage in the area covered by the agreement.

A local heritage agreement must be submitted to the Premier, as the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. The Premier, if satisfied that the agreement satisfactorily deals with any heritage that may be in the relevant area, approves the agreement. Once approved, the Premier must grant an authorisation to affect the heritage as contemplated in the agreement.  For more information about Local Heritage Agreements, see the Aboriginal Heritage Guideline 3: Local Heritage Agreements.

The State Aboriginal Heritage Committee may revoke or suspend the appointment of a non-RNTBC RARB if:

  • the RARB is no longer able to ascertain and represent the views and knowledge of the traditional owners of the relevant area, site, object or remains
  • the RARB has failed or refused, or is likely to fail or refuse, to perform a function under the Act
  • the RARB has acted in a manner that is, in the Committee’s opinion, at variance with the objects of the Act.

The Premier may revoke the appointment of any RARB for any reason he or she thinks fit and must first consult with the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee.

Recognised Aboriginal Representative Bodies (PDF, 975.3 KB)