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HOBART - Two Aboriginal delegates chosen to negotiate the return of their ancestors from Britain will stay put in Tasmania until the federal government pays for mediation, Indigenous leaders say.
Greg Brown and Caroline Spotswood have been picked to discuss the repatriation of 17 Tasmanian Aborigines with the British Natural History Museum, without further scientific tests being carried out on the corpses.
A High Court case brought in the UK by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) against the museum has been adjourned pending mediation in London.
TAC legal director Michael Mansell said he was disappointed such an important Aboriginal cultural issue should hinge on money.
"They can set up all the mediation they like, but without Aboriginal delegates in London there will be no one to mediate with," Mr Mansell said.
"The big issue here is whether promises made by the federal government nearly three weeks ago to give the TAC full financial backing will come through. We have not seen a one cent so far.
"We want mediation to begin as soon as possible when the parties are ready and when the Australian government gives us financial backing to get over there."
The Tasmanian delegates were chosen by state Indigenous leaders over the weekend.
The TAC wants the remains returned to Tasmania for traditional burial ceremonies.
- AAP
