Advice from First Nations communities will continue to play a role in the government's efforts to close the gap, despite Australia's refusal to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body into the constitution.
The defeat of the voice referendum on Saturday has led some in Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander groups to call for a mourning period.
Despite the voice's overwhelming support from Indigenous communities in remote parts of the country, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia's choice must be respected.
"The Australian people voted 'no' and that is something that has got to be respected," Mr Albanese told HitFM radio on Friday.
"We understand that it will be difficult for Indigenous Australians and they're entitled to think about what next steps they want to be taken."
But the prime minister maintained the government would continue to take steps to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous demographics in consultation with First Nations groups.
"We do have this gap and we've been unable to bridge it. Governments of all persuasions have failed in doing that," he said.
"The best programs are ones which involved Indigenous Australians.
"We can't do things in Canberra for a place like the Kimberley in the Pilbara and think bureaucrats in Canberra know better than the people on the ground."
The government has already allocated more than $200 million as part of its skills and apprenticeships package to help upskill Indigenous Australians.
Meanwhile the opposition has called on the government to establish a royal commission into sexual abuse in Indigenous communities.
While the prime minister said addressing abuse was important, it would not initiate a royal commission.
Australian Associated Press
