Plans to recognise indigenous people in the constitution could be threatened if the federal government's failure to consult on Aboriginal policy continues, the head of the Northern Land Council says.
The NLC is holding its twice-yearly full meeting of representatives from seven Top End regions, who were disappointed by Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion's no-show on Thursday morning.
The minister's charter plane could not leave Darwin because of mechanical problems, the NLC was told.
In response, the meeting called on Mr Scullion and Prime Minister Tony Abbott to attend the next meeting in May.
"We have pressing issues to deal with, and it's no longer good enough for ministers and the prime minister to stay away," deputy chairman John Daly said.
"This is just a real slap in the face."
Chief executive Joe Morrison said indigenous groups were frustrated by the lack of consultation.
"If you have a disgruntled Aboriginal population in the NT that feels like they have yet again been dealt a blow by top-down policy and disconnected policy approaches, then I think that seriously jeopardises the future of recognition of indigenous Australians in the constitution," Mr Morrison said.
Mr Abbott has not announced a timeline for a referendum on constitutional recognition, indicating it might be pushed back until after the 2016 election.
