Australian Aboriginal News & Current Affairs The most up-to-date and relevant news stories regarding Aboriginal culture

Firstly...
Do you want to be the owner of this superb concert class Didj? Just answer our Questionnaire

Win a Concert Class Didj!

Visit The Didjshop - the largest and most extensive virtual didjeridu shop

Have a read of the comments left by visitors to the didjshop

Now to the story...

Aboriginal bone theft under investigation

Extract from Australian Broadcasting Corporation - ABC Online, on 7 April 2005

Queensland's first investigation into an alleged theft of Aboriginal bones and coffins is under way.

The Department of Natural Resources cultural heritage unit is investigating claims a former ranger and anthropologist hid ancient human remains belonging to the Bidjara people from Carnarvon, in Queensland's central west.

If the department recommends criminal charges the man will be the first person to be prosecuted under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act, which came into force last year.

Paul Travers, who will be investigating the allegations, says the man faces a maximum fine of $15,000.

"Amongst other things it provides that its an offence to possess ancient Aboriginal human remains, anybody holding those remains should take all reasonable steps to ensure that their taken into the custody of the department as soon as practicable," he said.

Return to Top

Return to The Didjshop's Aboriginal News Web Log

Links to other web sites about Aboriginal Australia

Visit The Didjshop

Check out the world's coolest shop for didgeridoos

Click here to receive occasional email Newsletters from The Didjshop

The Didgeridoo Specialist - founder of didjshop.com