About Registered Aboriginal Parties

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

When a Registered Aboriginal Party is under Special Administration, you need to contact Aboriginal Victoria for heritage management plans, permits and agreements.

Reviewed 30 March 2021