The handback follows many years of negotiations and extensive rehabilitation work.

“The Maralinga nuclear tests occurred during a period in our history when little regard was given to Aboriginal people and their connection to the land,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jay Weatherill said.

“But over time, we have been working to ensure that the land is thoroughly rehabilitated and returned to its traditional owners. The first handback of land occurred in 1984, followed by a further handback of two parcels of land in 1991 but until now, access to Section 400 has remained restricted.

“The legislation we are introducing to Parliament today will enable the historic handover of the final part of the Maralinga land that was lost to its traditional owners when it became a nuclear test site.

“The British Government’s testing resulted in significant contamination of Maralinga by radioactive substances and other hazardous materials.

“Section 400 is an area of 3100 square kilometres 300 kilometres north west of Ceduna and was the last remaining piece of the former test site to be given back to traditional owners. To enable this to happen, many years of negotiations have take place, involving the Maralinga Tjarutja, Commonwealth Government, State Government and Environment Protection Authority.”

Mr Weatherill said the Maralinga Tjarutja, Commonwealth and State Governments were continuing to finalise details of an official handover ceremony. “I’d like to acknowledge the patience and co-operation of the Maralinga Tjarutja people in working through this process,” he said.

The government acknowledged the contribution that the late Kunmanara Queama, Pitjantjatjara elder, chair of Maralinga Tjarutja Council, and trustee of the Pilings Trust who passed away last week in Ceduna. Kunmanara Queama played an instrumental role in the Maralinga handback. It is fitting on this historic day that we pay tribute to his efforts in bringing the parties together for this important piece of legislation,” Mr Weatherill said.