Bones find angers leaders
TASMANIA Police and the Coroner’s office may have breached state law in their handling of human remains found at a Lauderdale beach, says the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
A man walking his dogs near the water’s edge at Lauderdale Beach about 7.45pm on Sunday discovered what was understood to be human remains.
Police said yesterday the remains appeared to be “Aboriginal in origin” and very old.
A preliminary examination indicated the remains were likely to have been exposed to the elements for decades.
Police said a further forensic examination by an anthropologist was scheduled today and an update would be provided following that.
However, the Aboriginal group’s chief executive, Heather Sculthorpe, said the Aborigi- nal community was “distressed and angry that our Old People’s remains have been treated so shabbily by state authorities”.
Ms Sculthorpe said it seemed likely the remains had come from a sacred burial ground.
“But we have not been allowed the opportunity to check that for ourselves due to the lack of knowledge by the public and the disinterest of Tasmania Police,” she said.
“It is a breach of section 23 of the Coroners Act 1995 by Tasmania Police and potentially by the Coroner’s Office.
“The Coroner’s Act says the Coroner has no jurisdiction until the Aboriginal community has examined the remains and reported to the Coroner.”
Ms Sculthorpe said the use of an anthropologist to examine the remains would be in “total disregard” of the legislation and the original removal of the remains was likely to be a breach of the new Aboriginal Heritage Act.
The Aboriginal Heritage Act came into place in August with an aim to strengthen the protection of Tasmanian Aboriginal relics.
“This will be a test of the new legislation,” Ms Sculthorpe said.
“So far all parties have failed in their treatment of our people and are continuing the disrespect for the sensitivities of the Aboriginal community.
“Many are heartsick at this news.”
Tasmania Police said it had not yet been forensically determined that the remains were of Aboriginal origin.
A spokesman said the Coroner’s office would notify the approved Aboriginal organisation under the Coroners Act “once the Coroner is satisfied that the remains are suspected to be Aboriginal”.