Marking 40 years since the Handback of Uluru

Tomorrow marks the 40-year anniversary of the return of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to Anangu, its Traditional Owners.

The Handback is a significant milestone for Anangu and in the history of Australian Indigenous land rights, ending decades of lobbying by Traditional Owners to have their rights recognised.

The then-Prime Minister, Bob Hawke announced in November 1983 that the government would amend the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and return the title for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to its Traditional Owners.

On 26 October 1985, the Hawke Labor Government and the then-Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, handed back the title deeds to Uluru-Kata Tjuta to Anangu during a ceremony held in the remote community of Muṯitjulu.

Anangu signed a 99-year lease to jointly manage the national park with the Commonwealth, through the Director of National Parks.

The Prime Minister and the Minister for the Environment and Water have travelled to Central Australia this weekend to join anniversary events.

The theme of the 2025 Handback celebration is Fire of the Past, Igniting the Hearts of the Future which translates to Waru Iritinguru, Tiliningi Kurunpa Kuranyukutungku Katiringkupai in Pitjantjatjara, one of the two languages spoken by Anangu in Uluru.

A public event is being held today to celebrate the anniversary at the Talinguṟu Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area at Uluru. The event will feature a marketplace showcasing Anangu arts and crafts, inma (traditional dance), and a concert featuring local Indigenous performers.

An exhibition commemorating 40 years of the joint management of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park through artworks, photographs and historical materials is on display at the Uluru Cultural Centre.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

"This anniversary stands tall in the story of our nation - 40 years since the Commonwealth of Australia returned Uluru and Kata-Tjuta to the Anangu people.

"Handback recognises that unbreakable relationship with Country which was formally recognised four decades ago.

"It is a deep honour for me to be the first Prime Minister to attend a Handback Anniversary."

Quotes attributable to the Anangu Chair of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management Tapaya Edwards

"Uluru and Kata Tjuta are very important to Anangu. We have always lived here, and having the land returned to us 40 years ago was an important moment for us.

"The national park is a place where Tjukurpa - Anangu law and culture - can be kept strong for future generations.

"There is still much work to be done, and we look forward to seeing our young people carry this flame forward, as they learn Anangu traditional knowledge and Western knowledge to care for Country and keep Tjukurpa strong."

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt

"The Handback of Uluru under the Hawke Labor Government was a historic moment of justice, recognising Anangu as its true owners.

"Joint management with the Commonwealth ensures Aṉangu have a lead role in the protection of the enormous environmental and cultural values of this significant national park.

"The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre was opened in 1995 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Handback.

"It's fitting that for the 40th anniversary, a range of upgrades to the Cultural Centre and around the national park have been completed with funding from the Albanese Government.

"Planning is also underway for more upgrades, including to the iconic Uluru base walk, so visitors can continue to experience this World Heritage Listed site."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy

"The Handback of Uluru and Kata Tjuta was a defining moment in the history of land rights in Australia, a recognition of the Anangu people's deep and enduring connection to Country and a powerful act of justice.

"It laid the foundation for other landmark returns across the nation and continues to shape how governments and communities work together to honour First Nations people and their custodianship of land."