There have been attempts in the past to strategically deter fraud in the Indigenous arts and crafts industry. In 1999, the National Indigenous Arts Advocacy Association (NIAAA) tried to introduce an authentication label aimed at promoting genuine Indigenous products and in 2006 a Product Authenticity Forum was held in another attempt to protect the significant Australian export industry of Indigenous art. But to date the market is without a label that provides security and clarification of authentic Aboriginal art.
MP Bob Katter, member for Kennedy in Queensland introduced to Parliament a private bill which aims to stop non-Indigenous people – including foreigners – from exploiting and profiting from the “oldest culture on earth”.
Mr Katter claimed up to 80% of tourist shops and markets sold “Aboriginal style” souvenirs, many which were imported from overseas.
“I’m sick of buying my grandkids a bullroarer that doesn’t roar, buying a woomera that won’t throw a spear, a boomerang that won’t come back”.
Michael has felt the direct impact of these importers “we cannot compete at these imported prices – there are many artists without work because these guys don’t want to pay the prices for them to pittance overseas – it creates a false market and also a false perception of what real Aboriginal art is. I have had people come to my market place and tell me my art does not look “traditional”. Legitimate Aboriginal artist are being denied the opportunity of making a living and they are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table”.
In an effort to take action against the importers Michael has formed a small group of Aboriginal Artists (First Australian Artists Association), who have been sending submissions to both State and Federal members to support MP Bob Katter’s private bill and have set up an online petition via the First Australian’s facebook page. “We have been trying high and low, far and wide to keep the pressure on”.
Michael encourages everyone to contact their Federal Member and ask them to support Bob Katter's Private Members Bill to make it illegal to import Aboriginal Art. “The more we have the better our chances are to get it passed but there is strong opposition which we need to counter”.
In addition, the Australian Council for Arts has a suite of five protocol guides that addresses moral, ethical and legal considerations when dealing with Indigenous Arts. They are available for download at
" Aboriginal culture is about our history, our dance, our songs, language and our art which all breathes our ancestry..."