Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all senators, particularly Senator Crossin, for their contributions to this debate on the Completion of Kakadu National Park (Koongarra Project Area Repeal) Bill 2013.

Koongarra is an area of 1,228 hectares of native woodland of great environmental and cultural significance, located within the boundaries of—but not part of—Kakadu National Park. This bill repeals the Koongarra Project Area Act 1981 to prevent uranium mining and preserve Koongarra's environmental and culture treasures forever, in line with the express wishes of the traditional owners.

In Kakadu we have one of the most precious places on earth. This bill helps us to complete Kakadu National Park. It allows this Labor government to conclude the legacy of the Hawke Labor government and it allows Australia to proudly respect the wishes of the traditional owners and say, 'The wishes you have for your land will be respected forever and Kakadu National Park will be complete.' I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.