Aboriginal hunting and gathering

An 'Aboriginal' person is defined in the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act) as a person of Aboriginal descent who is accepted as a member by a group in the community who claim descent from the Aboriginal people.

Under the NPW Act, 'hunting' means to take any mammal or bird that has not been domesticated or brought into captivity.

Aboriginal people are not required to hold a Hunting Permit if they are hunting an animal that will be used as food for the hunter or for their dependents, or solely for cultural purposes of Aboriginal origin.

A Hunting Permit is required if an Aboriginal person is taking an animal for sale.

A Hunting Permit is not required for the destruction of animals (other than protected animals) that are causing damage to crops, stock or other property on the land.

To hunt on private land, land held by a Minister, agent or instrumentality of the Crown or on unalienated land of the Crown, an Aboriginal person is required to obtain written permission from the landowner.

Aboriginal hunting on reserves, wilderness protection areas or wilderness protection zones can only take place if a Governor's proclamation declares what Aboriginal hunting can occur.

Aboriginal hunting on co-managed parks can only take place if permission has been granted by the Co-management Board (where there is one) or where there is a Governor's proclamation that declares what Aboriginal hunting can occur on the co-managed park.

An Aboriginal person can enter, travel across and stay on pastoral land for the purposes of following traditional pursuits such as hunting and food gathering.

See the Pastoral Land Management Act 1989for further information.