The Australian newspaper has published allegations that non-Indigenous workers from APY Art Centre Collective had painted on works by Indigenous artists.

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

It is currently preparing for a major exhibition of works from the APY (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) Lands at the National Gallery of Australia.

The Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments will also work on the review, which will look at what occurred at the art centre and how to ensure the integrity of Aboriginal art.

“The provenance and the integrity of Aboriginal art and its offering around the country and internationally is absolutely essential to Aboriginal communities,”  Premier Malinauskas said on Tuesday.

The review will also probe authenticity issues regarding Indigenous art produced in the Northern Territory.

The terms of reference are yet to be decided.

“It’s not intended to be a comprehensive system-wide review of Aboriginal art per se, but specifically looking at the integrity of it in light of the allegations that have been made,” Malinauskas said.

An independent review of the art to be exhibited in the National Gallery of Australia’s forthcoming Ngura Pulka – Epic Country show is already under way and is expected to be completed by the end of May.

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”.

The major exhibition is programmed for the Canberra gallery from June 3 until October 8.

“All parts of Ngura Pulka are being entirely conceived, created, directed, and determined by Aṉangu people,” the APY Art Centre Collective has said.

-with AAP