Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten with some of the Indigenous representatives at the Sydney meeting
Supporters say it would be catastrophic if a referendum to constitutionally-recognise indigenous Australians failed, but Prime Minister Tony Abbott is convinced a way forward can be found. The comments come after Mr Abbott held a reception attended by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and about 40 prominent community identities in Sydney to discuss a model for a referendum in 2017.
Supporters say it would be catastrophic if a referendum to constitutionally-recognise indigenous Australians failed, but Prime Minister Tony Abbott is convinced a way forward can be found. The comments come after Mr Abbott held a reception attended by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and about 40 prominent community identities in Sydney to discuss a model for a referendum in 2017.
