John,

Since 2008, I've sat in Parliament and listened to speeches from Prime Ministers and Opposition Leaders alike on closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Journalists often say that days like today show Parliament at its best.

But if today is nothing but sentiment and speeches – a ceremonial renewal of good intentions and a promise to do better next time – then that is so far short of Parliament and Australia at our best. 

Today is about closing the gap. Except it's not a gap – it's a chasm. And on almost every measure, we're failing. 

We need a new way forward – one that listens to, learns from and is led by First Australians.

It's a path that has been mapped out for us in the Uluru Statement, a document that Labor backs 100%.

Voice. Truth-telling. Agreement-making. That's the future I want for our nation.

You can watch my full closing the gap address here.

Thanks,

Albo