AUSTRALIA needs a Human Rights Act with explicit protections for indigenous people, says federal Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma.

In the wake of goodwill and bipartisanship following the Federal Government's apology to the stolen generations last year, Mr Calma says in his Social Justice Report for 2008 that indigenous people believe change is possible.

He outlines six areas where the Federal Government could act in the next 18 months to ensure full protection of indigenous rights, including his proposal for human rights legislation.

Mr Calma says the Government should formally endorse and implement the United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. He says the Government should also consider constitutional reform to recognise the first Australians in the preamble, and remove any existing discrimination.

He also says the creation of the national indigenous representative body will help ensure participation in policy and decision-making at the national level.

He says there needs to be a defined consultative framework to move forward with the unfinished business of reconciliation.

In a statement issued to note the formal tabling of the social justice report in Parliament, Mr Calma praised the recent effort, but urged the Federal Government to maintain momentum and implement fundamental actions.

The Government is running a national consultation, headed by Jesuit priest and lawyer Father Frank Brennan, which will determine whether Australia will adopt a national charter of human rights. The social justice report will be launched by the Human Rights Commission in Sydney next week.