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Aborigines Welcome offer by British Museum to Mediate Dispute about Aboriginal Dead

Indigenous delegation Natural History Museum February 2007 photo courtesy Kevin Brown

1 March 2007 - TAC Media Release - The offer from the British Natural History Museum to now mediate the dispute over Aboriginal remains has been cautiously welcomed, Legal Director Michael Mansell announced today.

Mr Mansell said, “We have forgotten how many times we suggested mediation, from the TAC directly and through our London lawyers. The Australian Government offered mediation. Each time the olive branch was rejected by the Museum.

If the Museum’s back-flip on mediation is not just another tactic on its part, we will accept mediation. We do not hold out great hopes that the scientists have changed their ways.

We will need to send two Aboriginal delegates to London to participate in mediation. That is dependent on financial support from the Australian Government, which, despite its public comments of support, has not given us a red cent. We have delivered all documents of account to the Australian Government and still cannot get a single dollar from them.

If the Australian Government fails to help our delegates to get to London, there cannot be mediation. The legal costs will mount at a rate of around $50,000 per day.

We were disappointed to hear the Australian Government sent one of its staff to London at its expense to speak at a forum about Aboriginal remains while at the same time passing us from one department to another to get assistance.

Our potential to see this matter through mediation or court proceedings is fragile as we are entirely dependent on Government support. Our lawyers have not been paid, our expert witnesses are out-of-pocket and yet we have to defend new legal action taken by the Museum.

The Museum is now also claiming $90,000 be paid by the TAC if scientists are stopped from doing tests.

The Orders made by Tasmanian Chief Justice Underwood granting legal powers over the Aboriginal dead to the TAC is being challenged by the Museum. New proceedings have been set down for Monday 5th March, in addition to existing proceedings from 7-9th March.

If we are helped to send two delegates to London, all proceedings are likely to be put on hold pending mediation. That mediation could begin by the end of this week”.

Michael Mansell tele +61 (0) 429310116
Legal Director

PDF Version of media Release

Source: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre

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