Focus on indigenous recognition: Abbott

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has ruled out constitutional recognition for migrants at the same time indigenous people are acknowledged.

Singapore-born Liberal MP Ian Goodenough wants the contribution of migrants acknowledged in the constitution too, but Mr Abbott says the current focus must remain on indigenous recognition.

"This is about indigenous recognition," Mr Abbott told reporters in Injinoo, Queensland, on Thursday.

Mr Abbott repeated his familiar line that Australia was a nation of indigenous heritage, British foundation and multicultural character.

"Perhaps that might be enshrined somewhere in the constitution but, in the end, what I am on about, what I think our country needs to be on about, is indigenous recognition," he said.

"Let's remedy that oversight."