Call for leaders to reunite

THE campaign for constitutional recognition of indigenous people will urge political leaders to reunite after the election.

THE campaign for constitutional recognition of indigenous people will today urge political leaders to reunite as soon as the election is over.

The leaders of the movement will declare they want to steer clear of the acrimonious election environment and will call for the cross-party resolve on the issue to resume as soon as campaign hostilities cease.

New research by Auspoll shows that public awareness of constitutional recognition has risen by five percentage points to 42 per cent since March this year and by nine points since last September.

Moreover, support for recognition also rose by four points since March to 61 per cent.

The research was conducted early last month, five weeks after the start of a nationwide relay to raise awareness about the push to recognise the first Australians in Australia's founding document and to remove discrimination from it.

Recognise spokeswoman Tanya Hosch said as soon as the campaign was over, political leaders must make it a priority.

"We expect to see ongoing collaboration at the highest political levels," she said. "That is what it will take to achieve this goal in the time frame that both political leaders have already set themselves.

"And that's what a growing movement of Australians wants to achieve as well."

In an email to be sent out to thousands of supporters, the campaign says to expect fierce competition among political parties over the next five weeks.

"But after the election, the nation needs them to unite again."

The Journey to Recognition relay will reach the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land this weekend, then take a short break off the road before continuing on to other states and territories.

"Constitutional recognition is not an easy feat and nor is traversing this vast and incredible country -- our physical journey is representative of our commitment to this campaign for change," Ms Hosch said.