Competition and Consumer Amendment (Exploitation of Indigenous Culture) 2020

# Competition and Consumer Amendment (Exploitation of Indigenous Culture) Bill 2020 ## What it does This bill would make it illegal for non-Indigenous Australians and foreigners to sell art, souvenirs, and cultural items that use Indigenous designs and cultural expressions for their own profit. It aims to stop the exploitation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ensure Indigenous artists benefit financially from their own cultural heritage. ## Why it matters Indigenous artists and communities currently lose money when others copy and sell their cultural designs without permission or payment. This bill is designed to redirect those profits back to the people whose culture is actually being sold. ## Key details - **Who counts as Indigenous**: An Indigenous artist must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and be recognised as such by their community - **What's protected**: Any expression of Indigenous culture—images, designs, spiritual symbols—and anything derived from or resembling these works - **When it starts**: The law would take effect the day after it receives Royal Assent (Parliament's final approval) - **What triggers it**: The bill would be enforced through Australia's consumer protection laws, treating unauthorised cultural use as unfair competition **Note**: This bill was presented in 2020 and hasn't passed into law. As of now, it's still "before Parliament" with no guarantee it will be enacted.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament