Commonwealth Numbered Acts

HISTORIC SHIPWRECKS ACT 1976 No. 190 of 1976 - PREAMBLE

HISTORIC SHIPWRECKS ACT 1976

No. 190 of 1976 An Act relating to the Protection of Certain Shipwrecks and
Relics of Historic Significance.

WHEREAS, by an Agreement between the Netherlands and Australia Concerning Old
Dutch Shipwrecks that was signed on 6 November 1972 (being the agreement a
copy of the text of which is set out in Schedule 1 to this Act), the
Netherlands, as successor to the property and assets of the Dutch ''Vereenigde
Oostindische Compagnie'', transferred to Australia all its right, title and
interest in and to wrecked vessels of the Dutch ''Vereenigde Oostindische
Compagnie'' lying on or off the coast of the State of Western Australia and in
and to any articles thereof and Australia accepted that right, title and
interest:

AND WHEREAS it is desirable that Australia should protect those wrecked
vessels and articles, and the remains of, and any articles associated with,
other ships of historic significance, being remains or articles that are
situated in, or have been removed from, Australian waters or waters above the
continental shelf of Australia:

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Queen, and the Senate and House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:-