I feel the need to defend myself.
The issue of Uluru is indeed a complex one. But there are two issues and they are not linked. When the ownership of Uluru was transferred to the current owners, they stated that they would prefer us not to climb the rock and not to photograph some sacred sites on and around the rock. Although I find the photography thing a little strange I can respect it. I do not believe they asked us not to photograph the whole rock as we see in the postcards. In fact they sell the postcards. I would not climb the rock and I would not knowingly photograph the sacred sites around the base of the rock.
However the commercial use fee has only been introduced recently (last two months) on the back of other examples world wide. This is blatant revenue raising, on top of all the fees we pay to enter the park in the first place. They're not banning photography, or charging all photographers a fee. This is not a fair or even handed approach.
Recently a friend of mine got of a courtesy bus with a bunch of other tourists to take photos of the sunset of Uluru. When he pulled out his 70-200 2.8L he was immediatly accosted by the operators and "fees" were demanded and access denied. He stood his ground. He was the only person out of about twenty who had a "L" lens and the only one treated this way. Firstly this was not legal. Secondly it had nothing to do with any sacred sites or respect. I feel sorry for other photographers, not a certain of their legal rights who travel thousands of km/miles and take no photos while others snap away, all because they own the wrong lens.
As for the "real job" comment you seem to feel I apply this to the entire aboriginal people when I only meant it for the specific people who are imposing this "fee", regardless of race or religion. I feel that this type of extortion from anyone, anywhere, is a way to steal income from another who invests in their time, equipment and skill to get a great image. As has been said, what of the great skill on the photographers part. A great shot is made, not taken. If they want an income go out and earn it. If you want to make money from photography go out and take some saleable photos. I don't care who you are where you come from etc...etc... living of the hard work of another is not a real job and you should go out and get one. This is not a race issue. It is one of decency.
This of course is only a personal opinion and others are always free to disagree.
Gordon