It is wonderful to join the Traditional Owners here this morning.
I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also acknowledge the sad news of the passing of a loved one and probably so many as well in the years that Gunlom has been closed.
I'd like to firstly acknowledge the Traditional Owners, in particular the fact that we are gathered on Jawoyn Country, the Bolmo, Matjba and Wurkbarbar clans.
I thank the Traditional Owners from the bottom of my heart for the way you've been able to walk forward but also stand strong.
For many of you who don't know the story for here, I think it's really important to just reflect on how it is that we came to this point.
For First Nations people in Australia, sacred sites are very important and respect for sacred sites is a part of who we are.
It isn't easy. Traditional Owner voices need to be heard on the importance of sacred sites.
And I commend the Traditional Owners, the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, and those involved with pointing out to all Australians, but in particular, the Australian Government, about why Traditional Owners say it's important to respect sacred sites.
And that journey included a legal court case based on a principle, and one of those principles was around the fact that this is an area that comes under the National Parks or Parks Australia, which is under the federal government.
And in the Northern Territory, there is a Sacred Sites Act.
So, it is important to follow through in our legal case to check that and say, hey, federal government, you're not doing the right thing here and the court found in favour of the Traditional Owners and justly so.
But I do commend Parks Australia, in particular, under the leadership of Ricky Archer and his team.
This is what was even more important about this journey, was that Parks Australia came together with the Traditional Owners to find a way forward and that's actually a really important symbolic message for our country.
When we take the time to find a way together respectfully, we can achieve great things.
Gunlom Falls re-opening today represents that.
It represents that not only here in the Northern Territory and not only for the Traditional Owners here, but for all Australians right across Australia.
It is a deeply significant day and I thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to come out here and to learn about this place.
I'm loving walking around and listening to the Traditional Owners and reading the stories and staying quiet down there and listening to the Country.
And for those of you who are going to make that walk up, listen to this Country.
Thank you so much for making the journey.
Tell your family and friends and the rest of the country and everyone around the world.
You heard the Traditional Owners welcome you this morning.
Be safe. Listen to the Rangers. Talk to the Rangers. These mob know a lot.
So, make sure you get to know them as well and enjoy today.
On behalf of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister Murray Watt and also the local member for here, the Special Envoy Marion Scrymgour.
I am so proud to officially open Gunlom Falls today for all people.
Thank you very much.