A group of West Papuans and their supporters have called on the Australian government to help mediate a settlement over the province of West Papua.

The small group, which included around 30 West Papuans, held a rally in the south eastern state of Victoria on Tuesday to draw attention to what they says are wide spread human rights abuses being perpetrated by Indonesian authorities.

West Papua has been a province of Indonesia since 1963, but much of the indigenous population have been demanding self-determination.

Talk in peace

The coordinator of Foreign Affairs West Papua National Authority, Jacob Rumbiak, who was at the rally, says he wants Australia to bring the Indonesian government and the West Papuan Transitional Authority together for talks.

"We are asking Australian government to take position as a party, to bring West Papua and Indonesia government to sit and talk in peace," he said.

But Mr Rumbiak says the sensitive diplomatic relationship between Canberra and Jakarta is a barrier to any discussions on West Papua.

Protect human rights

The call for Australian intervention has been backed by a Victorian Member of Parliament. Member of the Upper House, Greg Barber, who is also a long time supporter of West Papuans, says the Australian Government can do more to protect human rights in West Papua.

"The Australian government could alot do more in the defence of human rights, as it should in any country in the world."

Herman Wainggai, who represents West Papuan engorge living in Australia, also attended the rally. Mr Wang says there are around 47 political prisoners being held by the Indonesian military in West Papua including one of his cousins, Jack Wang.

He wants Indonesia to release all political prisoners. "We're asking for the international community to advise the Indonesian government to release all the West papen political prisoners," he said.

And if Indonesia ever decides to grant West Papuans autonomy or independence, Mr Rumbiak says West Papuans are ready to run their own country.

"We West Papuans ready, 100 per cent to run our country, today we have provisional government, we have a constitution, we have people been briefing people to explain to the world that we West Papuans are ready to run out future"