Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the government has learnt a lot from the indigenous intervention in the Northern Territory, but much work still needs to be done.

Today marks the first anniversary of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER), which was initiated after a report claimed child sexual abuse was occurring in indigenous communities there.

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Speaking to an ALP conference on the Gold Coast today, Mr Rudd said the government had no bigger priority than to right the imbalances of life for indigenous communities.

"We have learnt a lot from the first year," he told the crowd.

"Important progress is being made, with more police on the ground, people feeling safer, 11,000 health checks for children."

Mr Rudd said it was important the government kept up momentum in helping indigenous families achieve a better lifestyle, but admitted there was still much to do.

"(The response's) effectiveness is critical to the change that's essential if indigenous children are to be safe and healthy, growing up in families and communities which nurture and protect them," he said.

"Progress has been made in the last 12 months, but much remains to be done to meet our targets to close the gap on indigenous life opportunities."

The NTER task force has presented its final report to the government, and Mr Rudd said he would be taking their advice into close consideration.

A further review into the NTER itself is expected in October.