Grattan on Friday: Can the Albanese government show muscle in Indigenous policy? One test is coming next week

• Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney says Tuesday’s statement will “commit to new actions that focus on making a practical difference”.
• Equally, ambitions to transform how decisions are made and delivered have so far proved beyond governments.
• But the review’s “overarching finding” is that there’s been “no systematic approach to determining what strategies need to be implemented to disrupt business-as-usual of governments”.
• He points out that the 1967 referendum was about giving the Commonwealth power to make policy for Australia’s Indigenous people.
• Another initiative he suggests is expanding the Indigenous workforce in the community services sector, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• On another front, Albanese has it in his power to make one desirable gesture.
• The governor-generalship comes up soon, and an Indigenous appointment would be appropriate and welcome.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.