We are in the caretaker period. As this website is hosted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, the site will only be updated with material in line with the Caretaker Conventions. Please note that the content of this site relates to the Australian Government’s existing policy.

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UNESCO Convention on cultural diversity

Australia is a party to the UNESCO Convention to protect and promote the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Cultural heritage

We protect national and international movable cultural heritage: we regulate exports and imports, and help museums, galleries and libraries acquire important cultural material. We help repatriate...

Movable cultural heritage

Cultural material bought in Australia or overseas is protected by laws. Our role is to help you make sure that you buy, sell, import or export cultural objects legally.

Exporting cultural property from Australia

A permit is needed to take significant cultural material out of Australia. We regulate the export of cultural material under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986.

Movable cultural heritage prohibited exports register

The Prohibited Exports Register lists cultural material that has been denied an export permit.

Movable cultural heritage expert examiners

You can apply to be an expert examiner and assess the significance of cultural material.

Fossils and meteorites

Fossils and meteorites must be assessed for their significance before they can be taken out of Australia.

Sporting trophies and memorabilia

You need a permit to take some trophies, sporting objects and memorabilia that are more than 30 years old out of Australia.

Importing cultural heritage objects into Australia

Importing cultural material from foreign countries into Australia must comply with the laws of the foreign country and Australia.

Register of Cultural Organisations

Organisations listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations can receive tax deductible donations. This helps cultural organisations to attract funding from businesses and individuals.

Indigenous Repatriation

The Australian Government supports the repatriation of ancestral remains and secret sacred objects to their communities of origin to help promote healing and reconciliation.

Webstreamed event

Repatriation Ceremony Hannover, Germany

Advisory Committee for Indigenous Repatriation

The Advisory Committee for Indigenous Repatriation helps the Australian Government deliver the Indigenous Repatriation policy.

250th anniversary of Captain Cook's voyage to Australia

Provides information about the Australian Government's package of measures to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of James Cook's first voyage to Australia and the Pacific.

Cultural Gifts Program

The Cultural Gifts Program offers tax incentives to encourage people to donate cultural items to public art galleries, museums, libraries and archives in Australia.