By Liz Hobday

THE National Gallery of Australia has postponed a major exhibition of Aboriginal art, saying it needs more time to probe allegations of interference.

The “Ngura Pulka – Epic Country” exhibition had been scheduled for the gallery from June 3 until October 8.

Artworks from the APY (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) Lands were to have starred in the show.

But in April, “The Australian” newspaper published allegations that non-indigenous workers from APY Art Centre Collective had painted on works by Aboriginal artists.

The collective has “strenuously” denied the accusations, saying they are false and defamatory.

An independent review panel appointed by the NGA needs more time to fully complete the investigation, the gallery said in a statement on Wednesday.

The NGA will also wait on the results of a review by the Australian, SA and NT governments.

The decision was made by the NGA Council.

The gallery has described “Ngura Pulka – Epic Country” as “one of the largest and most significant First Nations community-driven art projects to have ever been developed”.

A statement released on Wednesday said: “The National Gallery is committed to continuing to work with APY Lands artists and supporting their ground-breaking work”.