Review of the Cultural Property Act

In the wake of the return by the National Gallery of Australia of what have been revealed as stolen artworks – the Seated Buddha statue and last year the Dancing Shiva – Federal Arts Minister, George Brandis has announced a review of Australian legislation governing the export and import of cultural property.

The Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC, has appointed Mr Shane Simpson AM to review the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (PMCH Act).

The release states that the "Review will focus on the appropriate settings for protection and regulation in this area, and explore other, similar protection schemes in Australia and other international models for the protection of cultural property."

The report is expected to be completed by 30 September 2015.

Read the full media release here.