Yothu Yindi in constitution push

Yothu Yindi lead singer Mandawuy Yunupingu.

NEW SOUTH WALES: Music group Yothu Yindi have used their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame to call for the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.

While being inducted at the ARIA awards in Sydney on Thursday, the band urged fans to get behind the campaign to change Australia’s foundation document.

“As musicians, recognition from our peers is important to us,” Yothu Yindi frontman Mandawuy Yunupingu said.

“As Aboriginal Australians, recognition from our Constitution is even more important.”

The band used the ARIAs to wear the new logo for the movement to recognise the First Australians.

Tanya Hosch, a spokesperson for recognition movement, said it was an honour that Yothu Yindi had joined the cause.

Recognise is the new campaign from the You Me Unity project, which wants a referendum held after the 2013 election to formally recognise the First Australians in the Constitution.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin on Wednesday introduced to parliament legislation for an Act of Recognition.

“Change will not happen without support from across the political spectrum and the support of the majority of Australians,” she said.

The federal government in September put on hold plans for a referendum to constitutionally acknowledge indigenous people until there was more community awareness and support.

Ms Macklin said the bill, which has a two-year sunset clause, would help build momentum for successful constitutional change.

“It is important to recognise that this bill is not a substitute for constitutional recognition,” she said.

AAP