Garma 2026: Julian Leeser calls for new direction on Indigenous affairs policy

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser has used a speech at Garma to outline what he’s described as a “new direction” for Indigenous affairs following the defeat of the Voice referendum.

Leeser said that the federal government’s policy on First Nations issues following the Voice has become “adrift”, and that it lacks “a clear direction and sense of purpose”.

Leeser also criticised Anthony Albanese’s commitment to Indigenous policy in the time since the Voice referendum, which was voted down by the Australian public in October 2023.

“Since the defeat of the Voice he just hasn’t gotten off the mat,” he said.

“It is time to get off the mat.”

Leeser has long advocated for constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians and was one of few conservative politicians to support the voice to parliament.

In 2023, he resigned from the Coalition frontbench, after the Liberals announced they would be opposing an Indigenous voice to parliament, so that he could campaign for the yes vote.

SBS News is Australia’s trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world.

Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews
Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe

For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news

Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms
Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy
Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints