Labor congratulates Mark Yettica-Paulson on his appointment as joint campaign director of RECOGNISE - the campaign to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia's Constitution.

Mr Yettica-Paulson is an experienced and respected Aboriginal leader, activist and administrator. 

Mr Yettica-Paulson's experience in driving social change spans decades and covers business, sport and the community sector. 

He is the former CEO of the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre, and has held various roles promoting reconciliation. 

Whether it's heading a major organisation, or mentoring Indigenous youth, Mr Yettica-Paulson has spent his career leading by example. 

Labor strongly supports constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. 

The first Australians deserve a place of honour on our national birth certificate. 

Constitutional recognition is a critical step on the long road to reconciliation. This is no easy journey and there are no shortcuts. Finding the best way forward will demand leadership at every level and in every sector. 

Labor is committed to meaningful and substantive change that unites all Australians, mending the faults of the past and facing the future with optimism. 

The success of recognition depends upon the first Australians being active, empowered voices at every stage of the decision-making process. 

We look forward to working with Mark Yettica-Paulson, the RECOGNISE team and other Australians to build support for constitutional recognition.

Labor also thanks Tanya Hosch, the outgoing joint director, for the energy and advocacy she gave to the recognition effort.

WEDNESDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2016