Abstract
The chapter deals with the emergence and development of Indigenous cultural heritage protection legislation in Australia. It traces the legislative history of the recognition, protection and preservation of tangible Indigenous cultural heritage with a brief summary of the key issues to be addressed with regard to intangible heritage. The discussion identifies three key phases in this history and examines the relationship between government policy and law in this area and the changing views over time about Indigenous Australians, their culture and their rights in relation to their own cultural heritage. The chapter concludes by suggesting areas for legislative reform.