Uluru climbing ban threatened

Aboriginal leaders have threatened to withdraw climbing access to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in protest at government policy.

Leaders are angry at the deployment of police and soldiers to communities to enforce the government’s so-called ‘intervention’ policy. This was introduced 12 months ago in a bid to clamp down on child sex abuse in Aboriginal communities.

The local Anangu people, who live in the Mutitjulu community and are the iconic rock’s traditional guardians, have now threatened to ban visitors from climbing Uluru.

The Anangu already actively discourage visitors from climbing the rock as they say it is against their traditional beliefs.

The strenuous climb has led to at least 35 climbers dying since 1964 when a chain was installed, which the Anangu say deeply affects their community.

Around half of the visitors to Uluru attempt to climb the rock, the majority of whom are Japanese, German and Australian males, according to local guides.