Vol. 396 No. 9
25 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received a request, through the Australian Government or from the State authorities in Tasmania, to use his good offices to secure the return of the preserved head of an Aborigine warrior called Shiney which is in the possession of the Royal College of Surgeons; and if he proposes to take any steps to facilitate the return of the head.
66 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received a request from Tasmanian Aborigines to assist in securing the return of the head of an Aboriginal warrior killed in the last century, which is now held by the College of Surgeons; if, in view of the importance to the religion and traditions of the Aboriginal people of giving a body a full burial, he will request the College of Surgeons to facilitate the return of the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 66 together.
It is my understanding that the preserved Aboriginal head has been handed over to the Australian Embassy by the Royal College of Surgeons. I had not been requested to assist in securing the return of the preserved head.
