Indigenous referendum will test Abbott’s ability to manage his conservative base

"Abbott’s belief in constitutional recognition is admirable. Achieving it would stand – together with the 1967 referendum giving the federal government power to legislate for Aboriginal people in the states, and the 2008 Apology - as a landmark and a big legacy from his prime ministership. But as he starts this national “conversation”, it’s clear will be a tough dialogue for the PM, especially with some of his own supporters."