Commonwealth Numbered Acts

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage (Interim Protection) Act 1984 No. 79 of 1984 - SECT 21

21. (1) Where Aboriginal remains are delivered to the Minister, whether in
pursuance of a declaration made under section 12 or otherwise, he shall-

   (a)  return the remains to an Aboriginal or Aboriginals entitled to, and
        willing to accept, possession, custody or control of the remains in
        accordance with Aboriginal tradition;

   (b)  otherwise deal with the remains in accordance with any reasonable
        directions of an Aboriginal or Aboriginals referred to in paragraph
        (a); or

   (c)  if there is or are no such Aboriginal or Aboriginals-transfer the
        remains to a prescribed authority for safekeeping.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be taken to derogate from the right of any
Aboriginal or Aboriginals accepting possession, custody or control of any
Aboriginal remains pursuant to this section to deal with the remains in
accordance with Aboriginal tradition.