A growing chorus of voices is calling for greater engagement of Aboriginal people in the programs and services meant to benefit them. This paper presents preliminary findings from ethnographic research that explores the fit between the priorities and realities of the everyday lives of Aboriginal people living in remote desert homelands, against the objectives and requirements of government. It finds that the drivers and conditions underpinning Aboriginal engagement in work, training and housing are poorly recognised in the design and delivery of government programs. The paper presents some Aboriginal voices with clear ideas about how they can work with governments.