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Calls for indigenous recognition next year

Australians shouldn't have to wait until 2017 to have their say on constitutional recognition for indigenous people.

That's the view of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, who is calling for a referendum by the end of next year.

"We cannot afford to have the course for recognition burdened by complacency and administrative processes that eat up time, energy and enthusiasm," he wrote in an opinion piece in The Australian.

Mr Gooda says the government is proposing a 2017 date to avoid clashing with the 2016 general election, but a 2015 date would also avoid the election.

The Act of Recognition, passed with bipartisan support in 2013, had a two-year campaigning clause that will lapse next February.

The act was designed to build momentum for a successful referendum.

"I call on parliament to move forward on this issue with the same spirit and enthusiasm with which it started," Mr Gooda said.