The NSW Government is inviting community discussion on how heritage can be better managed and protected in NSW.
In April 2021 the government asked the NSW Legislative Council’s Social Issues Standing Committee to conduct an inquiry (a review) of the Heritage Act. On 13 May the Standing Committee formally commenced the review. The Committee will hear from a variety of stakeholders and are currently accepting submissions until 27 June 2021.
How to make a submission to the review
To make a submission to the Standing Committee go to their website and submit a submission online before 27 June 2021.
The review will look at the effectiveness of the Heritage Act and the NSW heritage regulatory system, along with heritage aspects of the Environmental Protection and Assessment Act 1979. The Terms of Reference for the review can be found here.
The public submission period for the review will close on 27 June 2021.
The NSW Heritage Act 1977 was first introduced over forty years ago. The Act has not been reviewed since 2007 and there have been no major reforms since 1999.
The purpose of the review is to see how NSW can deliver more effective, relevant, and best-practice ways of recognising, conserving, re-using and celebrating the important heritage of NSW. The findings of the review will contribute to the evidence base for legislative reform.
As a starting point for public consultation and community input, the NSW Government has published a discussion paper . The discussion paper reflects on the current heritage system, considers some alternatives and poses some questions to assist with public consultation. To assist with their public engagement, the discussion paper has been referred to the Social Issues Standing Committee.
The Standing Committee review will provide an opportunity for all key stakeholders and the broader community to have their say on government heritage policy.
For more information:
- 7 April Media Release from the Hon. Don Harwin, Special Minister of State
- 13 May Media Release from the Hon. Don Harwin, Special Minister of State
- Download a copy of the Heritage Review Discussion Paper
- Find out about the Social Issues Standing Committee on their webpage
- Social Issues Standing Committee – Heritage Act Review webpage
- Social Issues Standing Committee – Terms of Reference for the Review
If you would like to make a written inquiry to Heritage NSW, please email us at Heritage.Policy2@environment.nsw.gov.au