Kevin Rudd's historic apology to indigenous Australians earned plaudits from around the world - and now the long-awaited speech could become a hit record.

Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly has updated his song about the mistreatment of aboriginal Australians, From Little Things Big Things Grow, to include soundbites from the address.

The new version, released in digital-only format on Monday, also includes samples from former prime minister Paul Keating's 1992 Redfern speech.

Listen to the song - and download it - here

The project, on which stars such as Missy Higgins, Anthony Mundine, Kev Carmody and John Butler have collaborated, was the brainchild of community advocacy group GetUp!

"When Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the words "I am sorry" a wave of emotion and a process of healing began across the nation," said GetUp! executive director Brett Solomon.

"The apology to the stolen generation marked a historic moment in our history and the first step on the road to a reconciled Australia."

Beginning, not end, of reconciliation

Several of the artists involved in the recording echoed Mr Solomon's call for the apology to mark the beginning, not the end, of reconciliation.

"Music is a vehicle for social change and this song will carry us all on that road," said Tim Levinson from Urthboy.

"This contemporised version of the song transforms us from a negative concept of the past to the positive possibilities of the future," said Kev Carmody.

All proceeds from the release will go to the GetUp!'s Reconciliation Fund to support indigenous projects.

Mr Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations brought the nation to a standstill - and many listeners to tears - as he said 'sorry' sven times during a 30-minute speech to parliament.
Source: SBS staff and agencies