The Committee’s inquiry
Background to the bills
Structure of the report
Description of the bills
The current heritage regime

Introduction
Need for and basis of reforms
Strengths of the existing regime
Weaknesses of the existing regime
Appropriate roles for governments
Heritage protection in the EPBC Act
Coverage of the bills

Introduction
The role of the Australian Heritage Council
Determinations on heritage status
Membership of the Australian Heritage Council

Introduction
The importance of a national heritage inventory
Transitional protection of RNE places

Introduction
Scope of the lists
The assessment criteria and management principles
Opportunities for external comment
Ministerial accountability
Removal of places from the list
Heritage surveys and registers
Application of state laws to Commonwealth land
Review and reporting requirements
Compensation
Funding issues
The potential for thematic listings

Introduction
Definition of ‘action’
Protection upon sale or lease
Definition of ‘significant impact’
Definition of damage to heritage
Retention of the prudent and feasible alternative test
Enforcement of the EPBC Act
Authority of the Commonwealth Minister

Introduction
Relationship of the Bills to other Commonwealth legislation
Appropriateness of the proposed measures
International and national obligations

Introduction
Australian Heritage Council – Listing powers
Australian Heritage Council – composition and functions
Future role of the Register of the National Estate
Transparency
Funding for heritage properties
Definition of ‘action’
Protection on sale or lease
Definition of significant impact

Introduction
Using the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act framework
The Register of National Estate (RNE)
The Commonwealth list
Separation of assessment and listing processes
The Australian Heritage Council
Indigenous heritage
Management principles

Nominations received
Assessable place nominations
Section 30
Number of Commonwealth places in RNE