Senator ALLISON —My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Is it the case that your government wants to, in effect, hand over the management of Kakadu and Uluru to the Northern Territory government? Isn't it the case that the new environment legislation will do just that? Is the minister aware that both the Kakadu and Uluru boards of management are strongly opposed to this legislation? Minister, if these changes go ahead and the Aboriginal owners of Kakadu and Uluru reconsider their agreement to lease this land back to the Commonwealth, what will your government do?

Senator HERRON (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs) —I think we are all interested in Kakadu and the national park. My answer to the first question is no. My answer to the second question is no. My answer to the third question is that we will do what is best in negotiation, which is the best for all of the people of Australia who wish to visit that wonderful place.

Senator ALLISON —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. I thank the minister for his reply. Is the minister aware that the Northern Territory government said during the inquiry into the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Bill:

We are talking about the (Northern Territory) Parks and Wildlife Commission assuming the on-ground management role currently held by the Federal Government's Parks Australia.

Does the minister remember the full-page advertisements by the Northern Territory government back in 1985 which said, `Today the Rock no longer belongs to all Australians'? Isn't it the case that the Northern Territory government has never accepted the handover of Uluru and Kakadu to the traditional Aboriginal owners? Isn't this legislation doing just what the Northern Territory government wanted? How can the minister stand by and allow this to happen?

Senator HERRON (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs) —I reiterate what I said previously. Yes, I am aware. There has been ongoing debate and discussion between the Northern Territory government and the Commonwealth government as to which is the best way of managing those areas. As I said before, rest assured that we will do what is best in the best interests of people who wish to visit that beautiful area.