For too long, our governments have made commitments—commitments enshrined domestically in the National Agreements on Closing the Gap, and commitments made globally in things like the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These commitments and agreements are not mere words on paper; they are solemn promises to all Australians.

Yet, despite these commitments, we continue to find ourselves at a crossroads. Decades of failures have left scars on our communities and a significant burden on the public purse. We have witnessed the consequences of inaction, the lingering effects of neglect, and the erosion of hope. It is time to confront these realities head-on.

We must ask ourselves: How many more reports, how many more promises, must we endure without seeing meaningful change? The time for talk is over. It is time for action—action that demonstrates commitment to true reconciliation and justice. Not an incremental change, not a step in the right direction - we need giant leaps of faith!

It is imperative that we recognise a fundamental truth: Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders are not just passive recipients of government aid; we are the custodians of this land, possessing the knowledge, the wisdom, and the right to lead our own destinies. It is time to let go of control. It is time to trust in the capability and resilience of Indigenous communities to design and implement solutions that are meaningful and effective.

All Governments must allocate adequate resources, not as an act of charity, but as an investment in the future of our nation. Empowering Indigenous leadership means fostering environments where Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders can thrive, where our voices are amplified, and where our rights are fully realised.

Let us remember that true progress is not measured by statistics alone; it is measured by the dignity restored, the cultures celebrated, and the lives transformed. When the commitments under the National Agreements and all International declarations and covenants are fulfilled, we are not just rectifying past injustices; we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for all Australians.

Let us stand together as all Australians, united in purpose, advocating for the rights and aspirations of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.

Let us be the catalysts of change, the champions of justice, and the architects of a future where every Australian, regardless of their heritage, can thrive.

Zachariah Matysek is a Visiting Fellow Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics - University of Adelaide; a member of the Expert Advisory Group on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing; and the Co-chair of the National Housing Policy Partnership.