Become a Registered Aboriginal Party in Victoria

The following groups can apply to become a RAP:

• incorporated under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations Commonwealth Act 2006
• a registered Native Title Holder with a Native Title Agreement over the whole of the application area
• a traditional owner group entity with a recognition and settlement agreement, as part of the Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.

More than one group can be registered as a RAP for the same area. Council will make sure having more than one group looking after an area won't impact on how the group carries out its functions.

Council have developed some guidance information for applicants on:

• registration of multiple RAPs for a single area
• providing information on agreement-making.

Council has 270 days to assess each application. You may be asked for further information to help progress your application.

This means the 270-day assessment period will restart once Council has received the information.

Applications to become a RAP need to be submitted in writing, as set out in the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.

The following types of groups will automatically be registered as a RAP:

• A Native Title Holder with a Native Title Agreement over the whole application area
• Traditional Owner Group Entity.

No other applicant can become a RAP for that area, except another registered native title holder for that area.

Other areas Council will consider when assessing applications:

• terms of any existing Native Title Agreements, if available
• whether the applicant represents the Traditional Owners of the area
• whether the applicant is a body representing Aboriginal people that have a historical or contemporary interest in Aboriginal cultural heritage relating to the area, and expertise in managing and protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage
• any land grants or land management agreements to which the applicant is a party in the area
• any other matter the council considers to be relevant

Council may be in contact with you or experts from the community to help assess your application.

If you're unhappy with a Council decision, you can contact Court Services Victoria. We recommend seeking legal advice before starting an application review.