The Wire

Traditional owners in Victoria are taking drastic steps in their efforts to see cultural artefacts returned to them. Dja Dja Warrung spokesperson Gary Murray says the group is now taking legal action against the state Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Gavin Jennings. The traditional owners group already has one case in the Federal Court. Museum Victoria is fighting against an emergency declaration which was enacted last year to keep bark etchings and a ceremonial emu figure, which are on loan from two British museums, in Victoria. But now, Mr Murray says the Dja Dja Warung are seeking a Federal Court order, directing Minister Jennings to decide whether or not to issue a preservation declaration over the objects.