But his wish to deliver that message personally to Anthony Albanese was frustrated by the prime minister’s premature departure from the festival due to illness.

The pain of silence, he says, is part of a much bigger problem.

A voice for justice

He also condemned recent amendments to the NT Sacred Sites Act, which have been criticised as watering down the legislation protecting such sites.

“The NT Liberal government is acting from a criminal mindset – like an illegal occupying foreign power.”

A system that punishes, not protects

He also called out NT Police and Acting Commissioner Martin Dole over the death of Kumanjayi White, questioning why the officers involved have not been stood down and why crucial CCTV footage has not been shared with the family’s legal team.

The NT government has been contacted for comment.

Government responds

The spokesperson reiterated that states and territories are responsible for the operation of the justice system, but confirmed Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy has requested a meeting with the Northern Territory Chief Minister to raise concerns about recent legislation and its impacts on Aboriginal communities.

‘Make history’

“If Australia is serious about reconciliation with the only lawful sovereigns of this country,” he wrote, “prove it. Take action now. Make history.”