Four decades after the pivotal Uluru Handback, King Charles’s recent commemoration in London brought into sharp focus the intricate history of Indigenous land rights in Australia, juxtaposed with persistent calls for a republic and a definitive treaty.
The recent commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Uluru Handback by King Charles III in London has ignited a fervent discussion across Australia, highlighting the complex intersection of Indigenous land rights, colonial history, and the nation’s ongoing debate regarding its constitutional future. This event, far from being a mere historical observance, serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-seated issues that continue to shape the Australian identity and its relationship with the British monarchy.
A Legacy of Land: The Uluru Handback in Historical Context
The story of Uluru, also known by its colonial name Ayers Rock, is central to understanding Australia’s Indigenous heritage and the struggle for recognition. European explorer William Gosse, born in Hertfordshire, England, first recorded a non-Indigenous visit to the site in 1873, naming it after Sir Henry Ayers, then Premier of South Australia. For millennia before, it was a sacred site for the Anangu people, its traditional owners.
A significant turning point came with the passage of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act in 1976. This landmark legislation allowed Indigenous Australians to claim land where traditional ownership could be demonstrated. Despite initial resistance from the Northern Territory government to claims over Uluru, a stalemate was broken in 1983 when Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his ministers decided to amend the act, ultimately leading to the historic transfer of Uluru to the Anangu people on October 26, 1985. This event, known as the Handback, was a monumental step towards Indigenous self-determination and recognition of ancestral rights.
Today, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park attracts over 250,000 visitors annually and holds a prestigious place on the World Heritage list, recognized for its immense natural and cultural significance.
King Charles’s Enduring Dialogue with Indigenous Leaders
King Charles III’s engagement with Indigenous leaders extends far beyond this recent commemoration. Speaking with Indigenous leaders has been a consistent part of his meetings over the years. This dedication was evident during a recent reception in London, where he was reunited with Brazilian Indigenous chief Raoni Metuktire of the Kayapo people. Their connection dates back to the eighties when Metuktire was actively fighting against land clearing in the Amazon rainforest. This meeting, ahead of the United Nations climate summit in Brazil, underscores the King’s long-standing support for action to reduce carbon emissions, a concern often championed by Indigenous communities globally.
During his visit to Canberra last year, King Charles emphasized the importance of uplifting Indigenous peoples and culture. He stated, “It is in all our interests to be good stewards of the world, and good ancestors to those who come after us because we are all connected – both as a global community, and with all that sustains life. That is the timeless wisdom of Indigenous people throughout the world, from which each of us can benefit,” as reported by The Age (The Age).
A Nation Divided: Protests, Monarchy, and Republican Aspirations
Despite the King’s efforts to foster dialogue, his recent visits to Australia have been met with vocal protests, underscoring a deep division within the nation regarding its ties to the monarchy and its colonial past. Independent Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe notably disrupted a Canberra reception, directly confronting the King with shouts of, “You are not our king. You are not sovereign. You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us — our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty. We want treaty,” as detailed by Town & Country (Town & Country).
Similar sentiments were echoed by Indigenous activist Wayne Wharton, who was arrested outside the Sydney Opera House during the King’s visit. Wharton, who intended to serve the King with a summons for war crimes and genocide, viewed the royal visit as “a slap in the face to every decent aboriginal person and fair-minded person in Australia,” according to AP (Associated Press). These protests highlight the painful history of colonization and the ongoing demand for a treaty and genuine reconciliation.
The debate over becoming a republic is a long-standing one in Australia. Esther Anatolitis, co-chair of the Australian Republic Movement, points out that while some welcome the royals, the underlying issue remains having a head of state appointed by birthright from another country. Conversely, Philip Benwell of the Australian Monarchist League believes protests like Thorpe’s can strengthen support for the monarchy, suggesting they alienate some public sympathy.
The discussion also revolves around the practicalities of a constitutional change. Constitutional lawyer Anne Twomey notes the difficulty of amending Australia’s constitution, citing the failure of a referendum to create an Indigenous representative body. She suggests a republic referendum, being far more complex, would be highly vulnerable to opposition, as reported by AP (Associated Press). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while supportive of a republic, has ruled out a referendum during his current term.
The Call for Treaty and Further Reconciliation
For many Indigenous Australians, the call for a treaty remains paramount. Alison Carroll, a representative of the Anangu people, expressed this sentiment in London, stating, “But now, we’re in the process of saying, some of the lands has to come back to Aboriginal peoples, and that needs to be given back in a process of, you know, a sense of ownership where we belong,” as quoted by Town & Country (Town & Country). This desire for a formal agreement acknowledges historical injustices and seeks to establish a new foundation for the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Australian state.
The protests, though sometimes criticized for their aggressive nature, are seen by those like Senator Thorpe as a necessary assertion against colonial violence. She vehemently rejected claims of violence in her approach, telling Australian Broadcasting Corp., “I think what was unacceptable is the violence in that room, of the king of England praising himself, dripping in stolen wealth, that’s what’s violent. The violence is from the colonizer being in that room asserting his authority, being paid for by every taxpayer in this country.” These powerful statements emphasize the demand for accountability and justice that underpins the push for a treaty.
Conclusion: An Unfinished Dialogue
The 40th anniversary of the Uluru Handback, marked by King Charles’s commemoration and simultaneous protests, encapsulates Australia’s complex journey. It is a nation grappling with its colonial past, striving for true reconciliation with its First Peoples, and contemplating its future as an independent republic. The dialogue surrounding Indigenous land rights, sovereignty, and the role of the monarchy is not merely political; it is deeply personal for many Australians, echoing the historical struggles and aspirations that continue to shape the continent’s identity.
