On the 49th anniversary of the national vote that acknowledged Aboriginal Australians were part of the population, both leaders promised to boost real Indigenous jobs.
One multi-million dollar pledge could bring workers face-to-face with crocodiles, while the other aims to propel Indigenous people into their own businesses.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten wants to double to 1550 the number of Indigenous rangers nationally, earmarking $200 million for the task.
The ranger program, which started in 2007, enlists young people to manage cultural sites, land and animals such as turtles, saltwater crocodiles and feral pests.
It's not just about protecting the environment.
Communities credit the program with bringing down poverty, crime and prison rates.
"What we see in remote communities is a lack of real jobs," Mr Shorten told reporters in Darwin.
"This Indigenous ranger program is delivering dividends not just for the people employed on the program in a meaningful way, but for their communities."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also used the anniversary of the 1967 referendum to focus on Indigenous employment, promising $115 million for entrepreneurs.
It includes $90 million for Indigenous grants to kick off business ventures.
After last year pledging Indigenous businesses would pick up three per cent of Commonwealth contracts, Mr Turnbull also revealed that target had been exceeded with $150 million already won.
He also reckons his plan will result in "real jobs".
"This is real jobs in the real economy," he told reporters in Brisbane.
"This is driving enterprise, driving economic growth, driving advancement, empowering people."
The prime minister also ruled out holding a referendum to include Indigenous people in the constitution alongside a national vote on same-sex marriage.
"They are two separate issues," he said.
But just when the vote will be held is up in the air, with a referendum council still consulting with Indigenous leaders and communities on the format.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott had aimed for May 2017 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum.
That vote, in which 90 per cent of the country voted yes, removed the right of state governments to legislate for Indigenous people - handing the task to the Commonwealth.
It also included Indigenous people in the national Census.
A day after announcing financial support, both leaders will momentarily pause their partisan election campaigns to complete the Long Walk ahead of Saturday's AFL Dreamtime game in Melbourne.
