Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a change in government engagement strategies with Indigenous communities, as many targets outlined in the Closing the Gap report are not being met.

Speaking at the Garma festival in North-East Arnhem Land, Albanese highlighted the importance of consulting Indigenous organizations to address disadvantages and promote economic development, aligning this with the Yolŋu concept of 'makarrata', which signifies coming together after struggle.

The concept of 'makarrata' is integral to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which also advocates for a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous voice to parliament and treaty-making.

Albanese expressed reluctance to pursue an Indigenous voice through legislation, respecting the outcome of the failed referendum.

The Prime Minister has ruled out the establishment of a formal Makarrata commission, opting instead for direct engagement with Indigenous communities.

Albanese endorsed the importance of truth-telling regarding Indigenous experiences of colonization but did not commit to creating a commission for this purpose.

In response to criticisms from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Albanese stated that truth-telling involves acknowledging historical injustices and current socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Albanese acknowledged the criticism of the government's silence following the referendum on the Indigenous voice, noting that feelings are still 'raw' and that people need time to process the outcome.

He expressed a desire to increase homeownership among First Nations people and to explore opportunities for small businesses to contribute to employment and training for Indigenous Australians.

Albanese committed $20 million to develop the Garma Institute for Indigenous education and invest in housing and climate-action initiatives, expressing optimism about future progress.

The latest Closing the Gap report indicates that only five of its targets are on track to be met by 2031, with several targets regressing, including child removals and adult imprisonment rates.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who did not attend the Garma festival, criticized the idea of 'makarrata' and voiced opposition to truth-telling initiatives, labeling the expenditure on the voice referendum an 'outrage.'