The Labor leader says Australia needs to redefine its relationship with its indigenous people from one of indifference or paternalism to a true partnership.

"I think it's a national disaster, (a) national emergency," he told ABC's Q&A on Monday night.

"The issue of suicide is massive. But also the issue of our first Australians and the inequality of the lives that many of them live is massive. There's an intersection."

He noted both his party and the coalition had committed to a range of suicide prevention projects, particularly ones aimed at young people, during the lead-up to the May 18 election.

But, he said, Labor also had a unique idea to help make sure indigenous people received holistic solutions: making an indigenous man, Pat Dodson, the minister.

"Sometimes we judge ourselves by how many billionaires we have on the Forbes Rich List," Mr Shorten said.

"I have a view we should judge ourselves by if we have great disadvantage."

Mr Dodson spoke at Labor's campaign launch on Sunday, releasing the party's plans for working with indigenous people.

These include creating a system of regional assemblies and a Voice to the national parliament, establishing a national Makarrata commission and local truth-telling programs, building a national resting place for the unknown warriors, and giving justice and compensation to survivors of the stolen generation.

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Australian Associated Press