Respected Indigenous rights campaigner Tom Calma has urged the Federal Government to not leave Treaty and Makarrata Commission discussions solely up to State governments, believing Indigenous affairs was still a “political football” that needed Federal input.

“This can’t be just the States and Territories. If you don’t have the three tiers of government working on these initiatives collectively, there can be inefficiencies, duplications or the worst thing you can have is a gap,” Professor Calma told The Australian newspaper.

The Federal government has revealed the $20 million set aside for regional and local voices would be redirected to States and Territories and have not stated their stance on the future of any findings from the Makarrata Commission.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Linda Burney, said the government was delivering measures to accelerate progress in Closing the Gap.

These include a $4 billion remote housing program for the NT, jobs via a $770 million remote jobs program to replace the old CDP program – and thrpughother initiatives that include health, education and justice.

“We’re taking a common-sense and responsible approach, one that has listening to First Nations communities at its heart,” Minister Burney said.

Catherine Liddle has said any decision about the relocation of funds should be discussed with Indigenous people.

But several Indigenous groups have urged the government to not abandon the Uluru Statement of the Heart, and have to not leave consultative bodies up to State governments.

Catherine Liddle, the Coalition of Peaks Acting Lead Convenor, said any decision about the relocation of funds set aside for the Voice should be discussed with Indigenous people — under the Closing the Gap agreement.

“Any significant changes to the Indigenous Affairs policy agenda and decisions on taking forward elements of the Uluru Statement would be subject to an open and transparent process,” Ms Liddle said.

“We cannot close the gap unless governments change the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We need genuine partnerships, not tick-a-box consultation.”