Australia's heritage Listing Structures
Australia has a Federated political structure, with the Australian government empowered to enter into international treaties and agreements arising from powers such as the External Affairs power, which can be found enumerated in the Australian Constitution. Each state also has its own separate state Constitution. This federated structure directly impacts on heritage issues in Australia.
Heritage listing may occur in Australia;
- at World Heritage Listing level;
- at the national level via the Federal government and/or via territories. There are two heritage lists here - a Commonwealth list and a National list ;
- at a state level, via a state government; or
- at local government level, via local Councils.
The overwhelming majority of heritage listings in Australia occur at the the lowest level of government - via the local Council.
PLEASE NOTE: ANY PURPORTED HERITAGE CLASSIFICATIONS OR LISTINGS BY THE NATIONAL TRUST CARRY NO LEGAL WEIGHT IN NSW. OWNERS ARE NOT OBLIGED TO DO ANYTHING, AS SUCH LISTINGS HAVE NO LEGAL OR STATUTORY EFFECT. OWNERS, COUNCILS AND OTHERS ARE OFTEN MISLED BY THE OFFICIAL SOUNDING TITLE USED BY THAT ORGANISATION INTO BELIEVING OTHERWISE.
