Yesterday Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Martin Ferguson signed the Maralinga Handback Deed on behalf of the Australian Government.
Now that the agreement has been signed, amendments to the Maralinga Tjarutja Land Rights Act will be introduced in the South Australian Parliament today to give legislative effect to the handback - a process expected to be completed in December this year.
In response to the 1985 Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia, the Hawke Government agreed to clean up the land and return it to its Traditional Owners.
The Maralinga Rehabilitation Project to clean up the main test sites commenced in 1995 and was successfully completed in 2000.
Minister Ferguson said, "Today is an historic day in terms of this country moving forward in its relationship with indigenous Australians.
"This agreement between the Australian Government, the South Australian Government and the Maralinga Tjarutja Aborigines sets out the roles and responsibilities of the three parties following formal handback of the former British nuclear test sites at Maralinga to their traditional owners.
"Under the Maralinga Handback Deed the Commonwealth Government has committed to periodic radiological monitoring of the test sites to confirm the safety of the land and to conduct any maintenance of rehabilitation works that is required.
"The Australian Government has also committed to assisting the Maralinga Tjarutja Aborigines in developing business opportunities presented by return of the land, including possible tourism ventures.
As Minister for Tourism, I look forward to working with them in pursuing these opportunities for their economic future.
"This agreement is a practical example of reconciliation that delivers property rights to the Tjarutja Aborigines over their traditional lands and assistance that will create opportunities for economic development and meaningful employment."
The handback will occur just over 12 months after the death of Archie Barton, who for 20 years led the Maralinga Tjarutja people in their campaign to both recover their lands and have it cleaned of the consequences of the British Atomic tests.