Understanding the Importance of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986

Understanding the Importance of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986

Introduction:
Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations. It is a source of pride for many and an important aspect of their identity. Therefore, preserving it is of utmost importance. The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 is a milestone legislation in this direction. This act protects movable cultural heritage and regulates its export from Australia.

What is Movable Cultural Heritage?
Movable Cultural Heritage refers to any item that has cultural value and is not attached to a particular site or object, including paintings, sculptures, books, manuscripts, archaeological artefacts, ethnographic materials, costumes, and furniture.

Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986:
The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 provides a comprehensive framework for the protection of movable cultural heritage in Australia. The act lists certain categories of objects that require protection, including significant cultural heritage objects. The intention of the act is to safeguard the heritage of communities and the nation by ensuring that significant cultural heritage objects cannot be exported from Australia except under controlled circumstances.

Export Control:
The export of significant cultural heritage objects requires a permit from the Minister for the Arts. The permit system is designed to ensure that objects of national significance remain in Australia and are available for public exhibition and research. The export control system also ensures that objects of cultural significance are not damaged, destroyed, or used for illicit purposes.

Role of the Australian Cultural Heritage Committee:
The Australian Cultural Heritage Committee is established under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986. It provides advice to the Minister for the Arts on the operation of the act and the nomination of cultural heritage items for protection. The committee also maintains a Register of Cultural Property of Significance to Australia, which identifies cultural heritage objects and collections that are of national significance.

Importance of the Act:
The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 recognizes the importance of movable cultural heritage and provides a framework for its protection. The act ensures that significant cultural heritage objects are not lost to Australia and are available for research and public viewing. It also protects cultural heritage objects from damage, destruction, or illicit use.

Conclusion:
The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 is an important legislation that safeguards the heritage of communities and the nation by regulating the export of significant cultural heritage objects. The act recognizes the importance of movable cultural heritage and provides a framework for its protection. It ensures that cultural heritage objects are not lost to Australia, and it protects them from damage, destruction or illicit use. The act allows us to understand the value of the cultural heritage and the importance of its preservation for future generations.