Prime Minister John Howard says he believes there needs to be an end to welfare mentality in Aboriginal communities for there to be any profound change for the better.

Mr Howard says there have been some measured improvements in the health and education of Aboriginal communities but there is a long way to go.

The Prime Minister told the ABC's "Lateline" the focus on a symbolic agenda over the past 20 to 30 years has been detrimental.

"And we ought to be listening a lot more to those who believe that self responsibility and personal empowerment in Aboriginal communities and the end of the welfare mentality is essential before we bring about a profound change for the better and that will take time," he said.