Portfolio Media

Rudd Over-Rules Garrett on Uluru Climb

08 July 2009

The Prime Minister today effectively over-ruled Peter Garrett over plans to close the climb at Uluru.

In a slap down for the Environment Minister, the PM told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell of the climb:

“As a matter of general principle my view has always been that people should be able to have appropriate access to Uluru” (and) “I think it would be very sad if we got to the stage where Australians, and, frankly, our guests from abroad weren't able to enjoy that experience.”

This is in direct conflict with Mr Garrett’s comments on the same program yesterday when he said:

“…on the face of it there are strong reasons for considering whether or not it actually should be permanently closed.”  (and) that he was “not hearing many voices … saying that the climb should be kept open.”

Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt said: “The Prime Minister has effectively over-ruled Mr Garrett and agreed with the Coalition’s position that Australians and international visitors should be trusted to behave with cultural sensitivity.

“The Prime Minister agrees with the Coalition view that visitors should be allowed to continue the climb as long as it is carried out in a manner sensitive and mindful of cultural issues and conditions.

“Mr Garrett is under-estimating the significance of the iconic climb to Australia by even entertaining a plan to shut it down.  If international visitors (including Australians abroad) can be trusted to access other culturally-sensitive national icons like the Grand Canyon, Mt Fuji, Machu Picchu (Peru) and Aoraki / Mt Cook (NZ) then I think they should be trusted at Uluru.”

Shadow Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo said Mr Rudd’s comments were clearly at odds with Environment Minister Garrett and highlighted the Government’s failure to consult with local tourism groups on the future of the Uluru climb.

“There doesn’t seem to be any clear direction in government on this matter,” Mr Ciobo said.  “The left hand doesn’t seem to know what the right hand is doing.

“This just confirms the Government must not only respect the right of people to make their own choices, but whatever else it does, this Government must consult widely with the industry and stakeholders.”