Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water

Fifth anniversary of Juukan Gorge disaster

23 May 2025
Tomorrow, Saturday 24 May, marks the fifth anniversary of the Juukan Gorge disaster.

The Albanese Government acknowledges the deep hurt and trauma the destruction of the Juukan Gorge site in 2020 caused the Traditional Owners and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura community.

I agree with the statement made on behalf of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama people and the Pinikura people to the subsequent Parliamentary Inquiry on the Juukan Gorge disaster, that this was a tragedy for the heritage of all Australians and indeed humanity as a whole.

In a remarkable testament to their strength, generosity and resilience, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura community have indicated their determination to build a positive legacy from the disaster that benefits all Traditional Owners and the resource industry.

The Parliamentary Inquiry produced two reports: Never Again, and A Way Forward. These reports show the current system is not working and needs to be fixed.

I acknowledge the work between government and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance on reforms that modernise and streamline Commonwealth heritage protection law that provide certainty and confidence.

I look forward to progressing these reforms in this term of government.

I am determined to honour the aspirations of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura community for a positive legacy that properly values and protects First Nations heritage for its true worth to Traditional Owners and to humankind.

I also reiterate the request of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura community to media organisations and representatives to respect their privacy and the importance of the anniversary on the day, as they gather to observe and mourn on Country.