Expressions of interest are being sought from Aboriginal Tasmanians to nominate for the state's Aboriginal Heritage Council.

Nominations to the Aboriginal Heritage Council (the Council) are being sought from Tasmanian Aboriginal people who possess knowledge and/or experience in Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural heritage, as well as management, cultural values presentation and interpretation, understanding of relevant legislation and associated regulatory and assessment processes and/or governance experience.

The Council was established as a statutory body in August 2017 under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975, after replacing the non-statutory Council which advised the Tasmanian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs since 2012.

It provides advice and recommendations to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on a range of matters relating to Aboriginal heritage, including permits for activities that will impact heritage and the management of Aboriginal cultural values in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The Council also supports the development of information materials to inform the public and key stakeholders about the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975, and best practice for managing Aboriginal heritage.

Tasmanian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jacquie Petrusma said the government intends to strengthened the state's Cultural Heritage Protection Act with the support of the Council.

"The Tasmanian Government is committed to progressing a new, stronger, Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Protection Act, and an Exposure Draft Bill will be made available for public comment in the first half of 2025," Ms Petrusma said.

"The AHC is an important stakeholder in the development of the new Act."

The Council is currently comprised of Rodney Dillon, Hank Horton, Joselle Griffin, Dave mangenner Gough, Lyndon O'Neil and Theresa Sainty, with members appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister for terms of up to three years.

The Council's most recent appointments were of Mr Gough, Mr O'Neil and Ms Sainty, in November 2022.

Ms Petrusma said the government intends to fill multiple positions on the council, including the Council's chair, with nominations accepted from new and existing Council members.

Appointments to the Council are remunerated with meetings held in Hobart, on occasion in other regional settings and on-line.

Applicants are required to commit a minimum of one day a month for Council meetings, and appropriate time to review papers and prepare for meetings.

Membership applications are open to Tasmanian Aboriginal people who are eligible under the Tasmanian Government's policy on Eligibility for Tasmanian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services.

Applicants are asked to submit the application form to the Council via [email protected] by Sunday, March 16.