Both major parties have remained relatively quiet on the complicated issue of indigenous affairs.
Neither the Labor Party nor the Coalition have released any new policies on the issue. However, the ALP has indicated it will continue with its income and welfare management program in the Northern Territory.
Coalition Leader Tony Abbott says he is open to the possibility of extending the income and welfare management program outside of NT.
The main parties' reticence on the issue comes after the NT intervention, Closing the Gap initiative and apology to the Stolen Generation were a focus of the 2007 federal election.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made the apology a priority after winning office in 2007.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
He made the official apology on behalf of the Australian government on February 13, 2008.
Despite the general hush on indigenous issues in the federal election campaign, a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are standing for Senate and House of Representatives seats across the country.
The Coalition and Socialist Alliance both have two indigenous candidates, standing in WA, Victoria and NT.
The Labor Party has one indigenous candidate standing this year.
The Greens party have four candidates - two each for WA and NT.
There are also two independent indigenous hopefuls.
