Bronwyn Bishop reinforces Abbott's commitment to call a referendum

A giant boomerang petition has been welcomed into the House of Representatives.

Norman Miller with Bronwyn Bishop and his signed boomerang

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bronwyn Bishop, has been formally presented with a boomerang petition from Pastor Norman Miller.

Pastor Miller travelled from Cairns with a giant boomerang covered in signatures in support of recognition of Indigenous people in the constitution.

He says he was inspired by the Yirrkala bark petitions received by Parliament more than 50 years ago.

He asked Ms Bishop to accept the petition on behalf of the house and the Prime Minister Tony Abbott who was unable to accept it himself.

Norman Miller wants the government to call a referendum within the next two years.

But Ms Bishop says that's a matter for the Prime Minister.

“That's for the executive of government to determine the time, but of course the Prime Minster has spoken very strongly about his commitment,” says Ms Bishop.