Heritage Matters – really
Australia’s heritage assets hold meaning for all citizens regardless of state and territory borders and legislation. Heritage assets, shared by all citizens, have immense value – cultural, environmental, economic and social.
The Palace Theatre, Melbourne. Demolished 2016.
Currently there is no effective heritage policy on any political agenda to preserve, manage and fund Australia’s heritage assets.
Heritage issues are seldom to be found on any political agenda. All over Australia, heritage assets are being lost, or are in jeopardy. Irreplaceable losses continue to occur. Much is at stake.
The independent Samuel Review in October 2020 found that the EPBC Act was inadequate and has failed. Although the EPBC Act has primacy across the three levels of government, it does not provide for the obligations prescribed under UNESCO and the World Heritage Charter. The EPBC Act and its operation requires fundamental reform. The system is clearly broken.
Upcoming Federal Election May 3, 2025
The 2025 Federal Election presents a critical opportunity for heritage stakeholders and heritage enthusiasts all around Australia to influence the political agenda. Across the political spectrum, elections effectively focus the attention of political parties and aspirant candidates upon matters which they perceive aware will resonate with the voters.
During these 2025 elections the Australian Heritage Advocacy Alliance (AHAA) national appeals to heritage stakeholders and enthusiasts to make a difference. The AHAA Campaign Strategy involves raising awareness and informing ALL Candidates about the value of heritage assets which are currently being squandered.
A reminder – AHAA has no formal membership base. It is an alliance of concerned heritage stakeholders and enthusiasts – organisations, groups, networks, individuals etc – sharing a serious concern that there is still no national heritage policy agenda to preserve, manage and fund, national heritage assets.
AHAA ran a campaign to raise awareness of all candidates in the 2022 federal election about national heritage asset issues, heritage policy deficiencies, heritage asset losses, threats – and importantly propose workable solutions.
AHAA recognises the unique importance of Indigenous heritage assets to their communities. Although such heritage assets are respected and valued by all citizens, protection, and conservation of these assets must be guided by the views of Indigenous communities.
Register Your Interest
Register to become part of the Australian Heritage Advocacy Alliance – simply email your contact details to: info@ahaa.net.au
AHAA 