August 11, 2020
The auction of memorabilia from the estate of Sir Joh and Lady Bjelke-Petersen is still going ahead despite a warning from the Federal Government that items purchased may be deemed to be part of Australia’s cultural heritage.
This would mean that under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986, a buyer would have to apply to the Federal Government before they could be taken out of the country.
A spokesperson for Lloyds Auctions said the deadline for placing bids was still 7:00pm (AEST) Tuesday.
She said the auction company had received an email from the Federal Government over the weekend instructing Lloyds to notify bidders from overseas that items in the catalogue may not be allowed to be taken out of Australia.
“They haven’t told us what items in particular it could apply to, whether it is all items or just some items such as Sir Joh’s briefcase,” she said.
Successful overseas buyers would have to apply for an export permit.
- External link: Lots from the Bjelke-Petersen family collection
- Related article: Joh’s Life Goes Under The Hammer
