However, it now admits that “we are not working on a specific proposal around a Makaratta Commission”.

Greens leader Larissa Waters has questioned whether the Albanese government is making progress towards its truth-telling committment. 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 coming to terms with the full truth and toll of this exclusion,” he said while acknowledging the work 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 called on the government to “stick to its promise” and establish a national commission within this term, telling SBS News that truth-telling “is how this country can finally see the truth of history with open eyes — without it, we’ll never mature 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.”