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We often think of our heritage as something intangible - perhaps a set of values or stories passed down through generations. But it's also our built and natural environment, and the objects we create and collect. These objects are known as our movable cultural heritage.

The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 aims to keep our most important heritage objects in Australia, without unnecessarily restricting export trade or cultural exchange.

Recent changes to the National Cultural Heritage Control List (in the Regulations to the Act) reflect our changing views of what is culturally significant and therefore worth protecting.

'The latest changes to the Control List result in a more coherent summary of those elements of our movable cultural heritage which we, as Australians, consider worth retaining and preserving,' says Dr Philip Jones, Principal Curator, Department of Anthropology, South Australian Museum and Chair of the National Cultural Heritage Committee.

'At the same time, the amended List provides greater certainty, for those contemplating the export of cultural material and for the National Cultural Heritage Committee when implementing the Act.'

Under the Legislation, objects may be important ethnologically, historically or artistically, or for scientific, literary or archaeological reasons.

Anyone wishing to export a heritage object should use the Control List as their first checkpoint. It provides a guide to whether an export permit is required by using simple objective criteria such as age and Australian market value.

From 1 May 1999 the new, revised Control List updates these age and value thresholds and introduces a new focus on significance to Australia and representation in public Australian collections. Foreign objects will no longer require export permits simply because they have been in Australia for a long time, but may do if they have special relevance to Australia.

If for example an object has some historic association, say a traveller's diary recording first hand events at the Eureka Stockade, it would fall under the Control List because it's associated with a notable event in Australia's history and helps to document that event. The association should be more than just ownership by a notable person. In other words, the object should be central to the contribution of the person or event to Australia.

So an old cricket ball would not normally require a permit for export. However, if the ball was owned by cricketing greats Victor Trumper or Sir Donald Bradman, and by extension was instrumental in an historic Australian win or the development of the Australian sporting legend, it would require a permit. Another example might be the desk used by Sir Henry Parkes in drafting the Australian Constitution, or the foreign-made racing car driven by a notable Australian to win a key race.

Representation in public collections in Australia is another criterion, but one which will normally require advice from the department or an expert examiner. For example, an original diary belonging to an early Australian Prime Minister would require a permit, but a facsimile edition already in at least two public collections would not.

'These will not, of course, be the final changes ever made to the Control List,' says Jones.

'Changes reflect shifting attitudes and values we place on elements of our heritage.'

Contact

Cultural Property and Institutions area 02 6271 1610 or email movable.heritage@dcita.gov.au

• Document ID: 11455 |
• Last modified: 5 February 2008, 6:04pm