Pauline Hanson wants safety upgrades to keep rock climb open. | Media release

Powerful emotions were on display when Queensland Senator Pauline Hanson met with the Anangu Mayatja Council of Elders at the base of Uluru to discuss Anangu jobs, the parliaments push to accept the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the imminent closure of the Rock climb.

The unlikeliest of allies flew into Uluru at the request of Traditional Elders following comments by Senator Hanson on Nine’s Today Show, that she didn’t understand why after 55 years of climbing, local aboriginals were keen to shut the tourist trail once and for all.

Senator Hanson said, “My view on keeping the climb open hasn’t changed, but my understanding of the need for better safety has.”

“After standing at the base of the Rock, I knew the climb was going to be tough – but after making it as high as the chain and having my shoes slip a number of times, I was terrified the further I went, the more likely I was to have an accident and fall down.”

“I’m surprised the Territory and Federal Government’s have allowed the climb to remain as unsafe as it is for this long.”

“If the Rock is to ever re-open, it needs a major overhaul of its safety, somewhat similar to the type of protection used on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.”

Visitor numbers are set to exceed 500,000 this year as the October 26 deadline fast approaches and the climb is closed for good.

“If tourist numbers drop off following the climb closure, I hold grave concerns for Aboriginal jobs and the ability for the $300 million dollar loan to purchase the resorts will be repaid to the Government.”

Local Anangu Elders also described their worry over the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA), who they say disregard local Anangu people for jobs at the Ayers Rock Resort.

Anangu Mayatja Council Elder, Tjimpuna Ruby said up to 150 Anangu people live in the Mutitjulu community, but are overlooked for some of the most menial of jobs like cleaning, customer service and some of the more desired positions including Park Ranger.

Ms Ruby said, “Jobs are going to First Nation people from Queensland, New South Wales and other locations across Australia before her own people which is affecting the mindsets of locals. They are feeling ignored and rejected by their own people which is creating enormous divide amongst traditional owners of the Rock.”

The six Anangu Mayatja Council Elders also told Senator Hanson that they do not accept the Uluru Statement from the Heart, describing it as a “rag” that does not speak for their people.

Ms Ruby said, “I want the aboriginal academics and activists to stop talking on behalf of the Anangu people. They are not closing the gap, they are widening and whitening the gap.”

Senator Hanson has given her commitment to helping the Anangu people meet with the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Ken Wyatt and have a voice amongst other Government Ministers in Canberra.

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