A new council will report by mid-2016 on steps towards a referendum to recognise indigenous people in the constitution.
Leaders of the Referendum Council have expressed optimism following their first meeting in Sydney on Monday afternoon.
Co-chairs Professor Patrick Dodson and Mark Leibler have welcomed the bipartisan involvement of Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten.
Mr Leibler says Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had been behind the change in government approach to the discussions with a series of indigenous-led consultations to be held in coming months.
"You've got a new prime minister - simple as that," he told reporters when asked about the previous reluctance of the government to make indigenous-led discussions central.
"I am optimistic about the outcome of this."
Mr Leibler said changing the constitution was in the interest of all Australians.
"We are not doing a favour here to indigenous Australians," he said.
"This is about our self respect and our dignity as Australians."
Winning the hearts and minds of Australians, and confronting a potential "no" campaign, will be the biggest challenge for the council, he said.
Mr Dodson called for more public education.
"The drag needs to stop ... we need to bring this matter to fruition," he said.
The council will meet again next year and continue to aim for a 2017 referendum.
