Letter says:
Dear Mr McGrath
Thank you for your letter of 22 August 2022 about Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) signage around Wangaratta.
It is important that government engages with and respects the formally recognised Traditional Owners for cultural heritage matters within their appointed areas. I am advised that Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation is the RAP for the area.
The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (VAHC) is an independent statutory body of Traditional Owners that operates at arm's length from government and whose key functions include making decisions about applications to be an RAP.
VAHC is required to follow the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and the requirements of administrative law, which recognises RAPs as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
The Department of Transport consults with VAHC to ensure any Welcome to Country signage installed reflects the relevants RAPs for a given area.
I trust this information is of us. Thank you again for raising this matter with me.
Yours sincerely
The Hon Ben Carroll MP
Minister for Roads and Road Safety
21/9/22