His research focuses on activating native title rights and interests that have potential to significantly enhance biodiversity conservation and carbon emission reductions across much of the Australian continent.

Trained in economics and anthropology, from 1990–2010 he was the foundation director of the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at ANU. In 1979 and 1980 he lived with Kuninjku-speaking people at Mumeka outstation in western Arnhem Land while undertaking doctoral research; he continues his friendships and collaborations with this group who he has re-visited on over 50 occasions since.

Altman’s political advocacy covers a wide range of social justice and human rights issues including the right of Indigenous peoples to live on their lands and the need for forms of alternate development that match Indigenous aspirations as well as diversity of circumstances and possibilities.