Leeser accuses PM of abandoning Indigenous Australians

Published July 31, 2026 at 6:02 AM UTC

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Key Points

Julian Leeser accuses PM Albanese of neglecting Indigenous Australians post-referendum.
Leeser emphasizes the need for continued commitment to closing the gap in health, education, and employment.
PM Albanese acknowledges challenges but remains committed to progress.
Debate continues over the best approach to support Indigenous communities.

Background History

In 2023, Australia held a referendum on establishing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, aiming to provide Indigenous Australians with a constitutionally enshrined advisory body. The proposal was unsuccessful, leading to ongoing discussions about the government's commitment to Indigenous issues.

Federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser has accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of neglecting Indigenous Australians, particularly in the aftermath of the unsuccessful 2023 referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Leeser, who campaigned alongside Albanese for the Voice, expressed concerns that the government's focus has shifted away from addressing Indigenous issues. He emphasized the need for continued commitment to closing the gap in health, education, and employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The Prime Minister has acknowledged the challenges but remains committed to progress, stating that discussions about failure dismiss the aspirations and achievements of Indigenous Australians. The debate continues over the best approach to support Indigenous communities and ensure their voices are heard in national policy decisions.