Meeting with WA Library Board about Dame Mary Durack's papers

19/10/94

Arts Minister Peter Foss said he had today been asked by Premier Richard Court to meet with the Library Board of Western Australia tomorrow with a view to discussing how they intend to urgently resolve the matter of Dame Mary Durack's papers. 

Mr Foss said the matter was a complex one.

"Dame Mary's lawyers and her son-in-law, Mr Megaw, have been negotiating with the Library Board and have not been able to agree on a sum of money to resolve the dispute," Mr Foss said.

"Dame Mary has said that it is fitting and proper that one day her heirs should benefit from her work, and we accept that.

"The Board has previously offered $80,000 for her personal papers to settle the matter and it is hoped an amicable financial agreement can be reached."

Mr Foss said once the matter was resolved, the Board was happy for the papers to remain with Dame Mary during her lifetime.

Media contact:  Mara Pritchard (09) 222 9595