Guidelines for National Memorials
Media Information - 13 October 2006
The passages below are taken from the National Capital Authority’s guidelines to national memorials, Guidelines to Commemorative Works in the National Capital.
Any proposal for a national memorial needs to meet the guidelines below in order to be referred to the Canberra National Memorials Committee for consideration. This committee is a bi-partisan parliamentary committee chaired by the Prime Minister.
2.6 Assessment Criteria for Commemorative Subjects
To determine the appropriateness of proposed commemorative subjects (individuals, groups, organisations, ideas or events) for development in the National Capital, a two-stage assessment process exists. Both stages must be satisfied.
The stages employ:
- Mandatory Criteria that determine if the subject can be considered for commemoration in the National Capital; and
- Evaluation Criteria that determine if the subject has ‘national significance’ and should be commemorated in the National Capital.
Stage 1-Mandatory Criteria
- An individual will only be considered for commemoration at least ten years after his/her death
- A group or organisation will only be considered for commemoration at least ten years after its termination*
- An idea or event will only be considered for commemoration at least ten years after its conclusion*
- A commemorative proposal must not duplicate the themes or subject matter of an existing commemorative site
- Natural disasters will not normally be commemorated.
Stage 2-Evaluation Criteria
A person, group, organisation, idea or event, to be considered for commemoration in the National Capital must:
- Have cultural significance for the nation-that is (as stated in The Burra Charter Revision, 1999), ‘aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present or future generations’ of Australians;
- Closely reflect the evolving values, ideas and aspirations of the Australian community;
- Contribute to the education of all Australians by enhancing our sense of place and increasing an
understanding of cultural diversity; - Exemplify Australia’s unique heritage.
If a commemorative work is supported by the National Capital Authority, according to the Mandatory and Evaluation Criteria, this does not commit the Commonwealth to its implementation. The final siting and design of the commemorative work will be subject to the relevant statutory approvals and contingent on funding availability.
Media Contact: Anna Jackson 02 6271 2876 | 0412 005 864