Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Resources and Energy and Minister for Tourism. How is the government fulfilling its responsibilities to the traditional owners of Maralinga?

Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker—

Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Dutton interjecting

Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for Makin for his question, which goes—

Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Dutton interjecting

Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Truss interjecting

Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Obviously they are going feral today, as usual, Mr Speaker!

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister will answer the question.

Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for Makin for his question, because it goes to a very serious issue concerning our historical relationship with the traditional owners of the land in Australia. In that context, I am pleased to advise that on Monday of this week I signed, on behalf of the Australian government, the Maralinga hand-back agreement. This agreement, which I am sure is of major interest to all South Australians, represents an understanding between the Australian and South Australian governments and the Maralinga Tjarutja people, setting out the roles and responsibilities of the three parties following the formal hand-back of the former British nuclear test sites at Maralinga to their traditional owners. Following my signing of the agreement, the South Australian government introduced into the South Australian parliament amendments to the Maralinga Tjarutja Land Rights Act to give legislative effect to the agreement, and I am pleased to say that hopefully the process will be completed in December and it has the support of all major parties in the South Australian parliament.

I think it is interesting to note that the hand-back of this land will complete the Australian government’s actions in response to the 1985 Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia. I remind the House that, in response to the royal commission recommendations, the then Hawke government agreed to clean up the land and return it to the traditional owners. Successive Australian governments of all political persuasions have progressed this objective in full consultation with the South Australian government and the Maralinga Tjarutja community. Most of the 3,100 square kilometre site is available for unrestricted access. However, as a precautionary measure, permanent habitation is not permitted in an area of 412 square kilometres which is available and deemed safe for casual access.

In terms of the agreement, I also indicate that it is not just about handing back the land. The Commonwealth is also engaged in proper discussions about a formal agreement with the Tjarutja community to assist that group in developing business opportunities presented by the return of the land, including potential tourism ventures. As Minister for Tourism I look forward to working with the minister for indigenous affairs to put in place long-term economic opportunities with the Tjarutja people. As I said, I believe that this agreement represents a practical example of reconciliation, hopefully bringing long-lasting economic opportunities to the Tjarutja people and, in doing so, not only giving them their traditional lands but also better employment and other opportunities in life.

I also bring to the attention of the House the fact that, unfortunately, the hand-back occurred just over 12 months after the death of Archie Barton, who for 20 years led the Maralinga Tjarutja people in their campaign to both recover their lands and have them cleaned of the consequences of British atomic tests. I am sure I speak on behalf of all members of the House in welcoming the hand-back and wishing the Maralinga Tjarutja people well for the future. This is a major step forward in our engagement and reconciliation with the Indigenous communities of Australia.