Heritage Victoria was established as the State Government listing and permit authority in 1995, replacing the original authority, the Historic Buildings Preservation Council, established in 1974.

[3] The act allows the registration of a wide range of cultural heritage places and objects, including: Places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register can be found on the Victorian Heritage Database, which also lists many places with a local level of protection.

Listing on the Victorian Heritage Register does not mean a place cannot be demolished or altered; instead a permit from Heritage Victoria is required, which may or may not be granted, or granted with conditions.

The planning minister may intervene in the process of listing or the granting of a permit, by not accepting the advice of Heritage Victoria or the Heritage Council, preventing a place from being listed, or allowing greater alteration or even total demolition.

All places and objects listed on the register are entitled to a Blue plaque.