The Minister may only include a place in the National Heritage List if the Minister is satisfied that the place has one or more National Heritage values.

The Minister must ask the Australian Heritage Council for an assessment of the place's National Heritage values and may invite public comments on the proposed inclusion of the place in the National Heritage List.

The Minister must make plans to protect and manage the National Heritage values of National Heritage places. The Commonwealth and Commonwealth agencies must not contravene those plans.

The Commonwealth must try to prepare and implement plans for managing other National Heritage places, in co - operation with the States and self - governing Territories.

The Commonwealth and Commonwealth agencies have duties relating to National Heritage places in States and Territories.

The Commonwealth can provide assistance for the identification, promotion, protection or conservation of National Heritage places.

  Note:   Section   15B prohibits an action that has a significant impact on the National Heritage values of a National Heritage place, unless the person taking the action has the approval of the Minister or certain other requirements are met.