Immunity from Seizure

In August 2011 the Australian Government conducted a public consultation on the potential introduction of Immunity from Seizure legislation for cultural objects on loan.

Immunity from Seizure would provide protection against potential claims on cultural heritage objects loaned from an international or domestic collection to a museum, gallery or library, for the duration of the loan.

It is a guarantee that objects on temporary loan from another country will be protected against any form of suit or seizure during the period of the loan.

NAVA supports the adoption of Immunity from Seizure legislation in Australia to be granted to museums, galleries or other public presentation institutions that borrow historic and cultural objects for public exhibition.

In our Submission to the Public Consultation on Immunity from Seizure, made on 28 August 2011, we outlined the benefits of this legislation.

Click here to read NAVA's Submission to the Public Consultation on Immunity from Seizure.

Legislation introduced 

In July 2012 Arts Minister Simon Crean announced that new legislation to stop the seizure of cultural objects on loan would be introduced during the Spring Session of Parliament. 

“The new legislation will guarantee the return to the lender of cultural objects such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, textiles, stamps and coins, which are brought to Australia on loan for temporary public exhibition,” Mr Crean said.

NAVA warmly welcomes this legislation as until now there has been nothing in place to prevent cultural objects from being seized. This will remove the barriers to Australian galleries borrowing works from overseas institutions and individuals.

Click here to download the Government's Media Release in full.  

For more information visit www.arts.gov.au/consultations/immunity-from-seizure