Human remains
Procedures for the appropriate handling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human remains have been set out in Guidelines (PDF, 172K)* that satisfy Part 2 provisions of the Acts. General information (PDF, 107K)* is provided on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human remains along with General Information to assist Police (PDF, 111K)*. Information is also provided on Reburial and Management Options (PDF, 96K)*.
- The documents relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human remains accidentally exposed by erosion or development.
- All human remains must be reported to the police in the first instance.
- When the police have satisfied the coroner that the remains are not a crime scene, they pass responsibility for dealing with them to the Cultural Heritage Coordination Unit.
- The Cultural Heritage Coordination Unit contacts the appropriate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander party who will then take ownership of the remains.
- The documents do not deal with human remains held by museums or private individuals—these are covered by other provisions of Part 2 and also by the Queensland Museum. Contact the museum for copies of their policies on ancestral remains and burial goods, and on secret sacred objects.
- It is an offence for anyone (other than the state) to hold Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander human remains unless they have a traditional or familial link to those remains. A person holding such remains must report them to the Cultural Heritage Coordination Unit.
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Last updated: 16 March 2009