Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said supporting the declaration would not change the Government's commitment to the Northern Territory emergency response but it would help ''reset'' the relationship between government and indigenous Australians.

''Building trust is essential for closing the gap and working together to get results on the ground,'' she said. ''We want indigenous Australians to be partners in efforts to close the gap. For this to happen, we must recognise the unique place of indigenous people in Australia.''

Ms Macklin emphasised that supporting the declaration would have no impact on Australian law.

The director of the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at the ANU, Professor Jon Altman, said the move was ''more significant than the apology'' because the move would affect all indigenous Australians, not just the Stolen Generations.

''This [declaration] sets a benchmark in the UN system to ensure that minimum international standards are maintained in terms of protecting the rights of indigenous people,'' he said.

''It was an election commitment, so I do wonder why it has taken so long ... but it's a major statement.''

Professor Altman suggested that supporting the declaration and continuing the intervention could be incompatible goals.

''I understand that the minister would like to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act but retain income quarantining, and I'm not sure how she can do that.

''That's the dilemma she faces,'' he said.

''This is not something that can be legally imposed, it doesn't override sovereignty, but it puts the Australian state on notice that the UN permanent forum on indigenous issues is watching its approach to indigenous people in this country.''

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times