Hundreds of activists, academics and supporters have gathered in Alice Springs alongside Arrernte traditional owners ahead of a major protest against the Pine Gap joint Australian-US defence facility. The gathering has renewed long-running discussions about Indigenous land rights, military operations and Australia’s relationship with international defence partners.
The Pine Gap facility, located approximately 18 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, has operated for almost 60 years and remains one of Australia’s most significant and secretive defence sites. Originally described publicly as a space research facility, it has since become known as a major intelligence and surveillance installation operated jointly by Australia and the United States.
The protest was organised by groups calling for greater transparency around Pine Gap’s operations and questioning the role of the facility in international military activities. Protesters also raised concerns about the impact of the facility on Arrernte cultural sites and traditional connections to Country.
Arrernte traditional owners welcomed participants to the area through cultural ceremonies before the protest activities. Traditional owner Felicity Hayes said her family has strong cultural connections to the land where Pine Gap is located and has expressed concerns about limited access to important sacred sites and rock art areas within the facility boundaries.
The gathering included people who have campaigned against Pine Gap for decades, including participants from earlier protest movements. Some attendees referenced historic demonstrations from the 1980s and said their concerns about the facility’s role remain unresolved.
Protest organisers said their concerns include Australia’s involvement in international conflicts, the use of intelligence gathered from Pine Gap, and the possibility that hosting major defence infrastructure could increase security risks. They called for discussion about the future of the facility and Australia’s defence relationships.
The protest comes as Pine Gap reaches a significant milestone, marking six decades since its establishment. Over the years, the facility has remained a focus of debate between supporters who argue it plays an important role in national security and critics who question its strategic and ethical implications.
Authorities prepared for the demonstration, with security measures in place around the event. The protest was expected to include speeches, discussions and peaceful actions from participants travelling from different parts of Australia.
The Australian Defence Department has maintained its long-standing position of not commenting on intelligence operations or the specific activities conducted at joint defence facilities such as Pine Gap.
The protest highlights ongoing conversations about Indigenous rights, national security and Australia’s role in global defence partnerships. For many participants, the event represents a call for recognition of traditional ownership and greater public discussion about decisions involving culturally significant land.
