Currently, however, the government acknowledges that “we are not working on a specific proposal around a Makarrata Commission”.

Greens leader Larissa Waters has questioned whether the Albanese government is advancing its truth-telling commitment. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Greens leader Larissa Waters quizzed the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) about the status of the funding in Senate estimates on Tuesday morning.

“As a nation, we are still grappling with the complete truth and impact of this exclusion,” he stated, while commending the efforts of Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission.

SBS News understands the Greens will reintroduce their Truth and Justice Commission bill in this term of parliament, but the exact timing is unclear.

‘The government should stick to its promise’

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe urged the government to “honor its promise” and establish a national commission during this term, informing SBS News that truth-telling “is crucial for this country to confront its historical truth openly — without it, we can never truly develop as a nation.”

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said the truth-telling commission should have royal commission powers. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“The Prime Minister was full of praise for Yoorrook at Garma, but he refuses to act nationally,” she said in a statement. “He can’t hide behind the failed Voice referendum.”