Charges to be laid in connection to damage of heritage-listed Wave Hill Walk Off site

The Northern Territory government will take legal action against those who damaged the heritage-listed site, with the federal government also considering charges.

Gurindji strikers Vincent Lingiari and Mick Rangiari. Source: Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia

Charges are expected to be laid against those who damaged the site of the historic Gurindji Wave Hill Walk-Off.

An investigation was launched when the damage was found in late September 2023, with the findings noting the demolition of a historic windmill and a fence that marked the route.

Other smaller damages were found including fences that blocked access and interpretation markers.

Gough Whitlam formally handed back land to the Gurindji people, pouring soil into the hands of Elder Vince Lingiari.

“The Gurindji Wave Hill Walk Off Route is of national significance, and important to the history and heritage of the Northern Territory and our Traditional Owners," said a spokesperson from Territory Families, Housing and Communities.

“We are committed to ensuring the preservation and integrity of all heritage-listed sites across the Northern Territory.

“Charges are expected to be laid this week in relation to alleged damage at the Heritage listed Gurindji Wave Hill Walk Off route."

With charges pending, the department was not able to comment further.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler said heritage sites should be "absolutely maintained".

"We all clearly understand and know the importance of the Gurindji track to the Gurindji people … to Territorians and Australians," she said.

Damage to be examined under federal law

In a statement to NITV, Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek said the site was a "special and profound place".

"The protection of national heritage properties is so important, to preserve part of our national history and ensure it can be enjoyed for years to come," she said.

"Any alleged destruction is deeply concerning, and particularly upsetting for the local community."

The minister said she would work with the NT government to investigate the allegations under federal environment law.

"We have also been consulting with the Traditional Owners, the Gurindji people, throughout the investigation," she said.

 She noted that making a "significant impact on a National Heritage Place without approval" can carry a maximum penalty of "$15,650,000 dollars and possible imprisonment of up to 7 years".

Historic Walk Off a seminal moment in Aboriginal justice

Vincent Lingiari beside a plaque marking the handing over of the lease in Wattie Creek, 1975.

The Walk Off was a major moment in the Aboriginal Land Rights movement, happening in August of 1966.

Vincent Lingiari led a group of Aboriginal people off the pastoral station as a protest over low wages, mistreatment, poor conditions and dispossession.

The route stretches across 20 kilometres from the former pastoral station to the Kalkarindji and Daguragu communities.

The site was nominated for heritage listing in January of 1993 under the Northern Territory's then Heritage Conservation Act.

It achieved said status in 2006, by Marion Scrymgour, who was the Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage at the time.