February 14, 2007
Australian government to consider funding legal bid over Aboriginal remains testing
The Australian government is considering whether to get involved in the arguments surrounding the proposed testing to be carried out on Aboriginal remains in Britain’s Natural History Museum.
From:
ABC News (Australia)
Last Update: Tuesday, February 13, 2007. 9:00pm (AEDT)
Govt to consider funding legal bid for Aboriginal remainsThe Federal Government says it is happy to consider a request to help fund a legal bid to stop the testing of Tasmanian Aboriginal remains held by a British museum.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) has accused the Government of shirking its responsibility.
The British Natural History Museum has agreed to return the remains of 17 Tasmanian Aborigines, but first it wants to test and take samples from them.TAC spokesman Michael Mansell says Britain’s High Court has granted a temporary injunction against testing, but the TAC needs the Federal Government to agree to cover court costs, if a bid for a permanent ban is unsuccessful.
Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock says his staff sent Mr Mansell funding application forms, but nothing has happened.
“We’ll look forward to seeing what they write, when we get it. If we get it,” he said.
He says the Government has a longstanding commitment to repatriating Aboriginal remains.
- Australian government to fund Aboriginal remains case : February 17, 2007
- Aboriginals win human remains battle : February 10, 2007
- More coverage of Aboriginal’s legal battle : February 23, 2007
- Is the Natural History Museum cooperating over Aboriginal remains? : September 14, 2006
- Dissent over Aboriginal legal fight : February 25, 2007
- Postponement of Aboriginal remains legal battle : February 25, 2007
- Aboriginal bones go home : May 12, 2007
- Aboriginal bones dispute could be settled by mediation : March 3, 2007