Minister for Indigenous Australians
Today I rise to acknowledge a significant moment in the history of land rights in this country.
And I begin by acknowledging the Anangu people, thousands of kilometres from this place.
This weekend the Anangu gathered to celebrate a significant anniversary - and a unifying moment.
A moment I was unable to attend, but the Prime Minister and Minister Watt joined the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, the Special Envoy.
40 years since the return of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
That moment in the red heart of Australia reshaped this country.
It was on 26 October 1985, that the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen travelled to Central Australia to return the title deeds to Uluru-Kata Tjuta to the Anangu.
Hundreds of people - Indigenous and non-Indigenous stood in the red sand, in the shadow of the majestic rock.
They watched the Crown, through the Governor-General, recognise in its law what Anangu have known forever - that Uluru was Anangu land.
They heard that dedication made in their own language, thanks to the translation of the late Yankunytjatjara Elder Kunmanara Lester.
It was the culmination of decades of campaigning by the Anangu, and of more than 100 years of painful struggle.
It was a recognition, in Commonwealth law, of the Anangu people's deep and enduring connection to Country.
Their ownership under law.
The Handback was not symbolic.
It was transformative.
In that moment - the iconic landmark, instantly recognised by billions of people around the world - was back in First Nations hands.
And, on the ground, it laid the foundation for the tremendous success of the Anangu's ownership we've seen over the past four decades.
Their joint management of the park with Parks Australia has meant tourism flourishing alongside the sharing of Anangu knowledge and Tjukurpa.
Acting Deputy President, I think it's an understatement to say that the path to the Handback wasn't easy.
In 1985, it was an extremely controversial decision.
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act had been passed in 1976.
But Uluru-Kata Tjuta was excluded from the Act, as it had been operating as a national park since the 1950s.
The Anangu, supported by the Central Land Council, held firm in their lobbying for decades.
They persisted in their calls for an amendment to the Land Rights Act to allow them to make their claim to their land in Commonwealth law.
And soon after his election in 1983, Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his team made that change happen.
But it wasn't just the legislation that stood against the Anangu.
Many will remember, as I do growing up in Central Australia, that in the lead-up to the Handback, there was a fierce and at times malicious campaign, in the Territory and across the nation.
We heard claims again and again that putting Uluru into Anangu hands would mean Uluru was alienated from the rest of Australia.
The catchcries are all too familiar: "Let's keep Australia free for all Australians."
The then-Chief Minister Ian Tuxworth's government gained enormous attention - issuing pamphlets calling the handback "A National Tragedy".
Reporting at the time claimed the Government was handing Uluru-Kata Tjuta to - I quote - "the wrong Aborigines".
Assertions that the Anangu were never interested in the area until, "they thought they could exploit its tourist potential".
During the handover ceremony in 1985 a low flying plane flew overhead, trailing a banner saying, "Ayers Rock for All Australians."
Despite this fierce campaign against them, the Anangu stood firm in courage and determination.
Because they knew it was always going to be about all Australians.
The Hawke Labor Government amended the Aboriginal Land Rights Act to allow the return of the title, and to get the transfer done.
That courage and determination followed in the footsteps of the Gurindji strikers that led Prime Minister Whitlam to pour soil into Vincent Lingiari's hand, symbolising the return of land to the Gurindji people.
It followed in the footsteps of First Nations people across the Territory that emboldened the Whitlam Government to introduce to the parliament the first land rights legislation in Australia.
This year's Handback anniversary comes at the beginning of a new chapter for Uluru, and the township of Yulara.
Many would be aware about the strategic decisions being led by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation in relation to Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, including the resort at Yulara.
These are and remain confidential discussions.
But I can note that it is thanks to the courage and determination of First Nations people and those Labor reforms that these changes are being conducted in a way to empower the Anangu.
The commercial discussions have involved transparent, lengthy and extensive engagement and community consultation.
The land is to be divested to a community corporation that represents the Anangu people.
It is anticipated that once completed, the transfer of the land from the ILSC to Anangu would represent the largest single transfer of freehold land by the ILSC to a First Nations community group.
This is about multi-generational benefits.
These decisions reflect the enduring spirit of the Handback - community-led and future-focused.
The Handback shifted national thinking, not only on land rights, but on partnership, cultural authority and custodianship.
It redefined how governments and institutions engage with First Nations communities.
It positioned Uluru-Kata Tjuta as one of Australia's premier tourism destinations, not just for its natural beauty but for its cultural significance.
It anchored Anangu-led conservation and cultural education programs that continue to flourish.
The Handback stands as one of the most successful examples of land justice in our nation's history.
The proof of that success - and the significance of that moment - is embodied in Chief Minister Ian Tuxworth, whom I referenced earlier as being a key voice opposing the Handback.
10 years ago, at the 30th anniversary Mr Tuxworth told the ABC:
"There were a lot of misconceptions about what was going to happen to the rock, which caused divisions…
I think the project has moved on and people are doing it well and they should be congratulated…
Whatever the contentious issues were back 30 years ago, they've been overtaken by the success of the project."
On Saturday - the Prime Minister of Australia stood on Anangu Country and acknowledged that truth.
He addressed them in the language of the Anangu people.
And in English, I'll translate what he said for those who weren't watching at the time, "I am happy to be together with you on Anangu land."
40 years after the handover, I acknowledge the success of the Anangu people at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
I acknowledge the Handback's legacy and lesson.
On this anniversary we see that the worries peddled in 1985 were false.
As the Prime Minister reminded us on the weekend:
"Forty years ago, after decades of exclusion, the Anangu's rightful relationship with this place was finally recognised.
And the Anangu responded by choosing to share it with all of us.
Tourists flock to it, rangers care for it.
All Australians are welcome.
The whole world is welcome."
The Handback meant all Australians came together, in justice and in triumph.
When we acknowledge First Nations people.
When we listen to First Nations people.
When we work in genuine partnership.
We build enduring strength and success.
And in the language of the Anangu people - uwa palya, wiyaringu.
And in my language, bauji barra.
