Discussion paper response

Geroges River Council
What is the name of the organisation?
Geroges River Council
What is the postal code of the organisation?
None
Do you support recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by changing the Constitution or making some other kind of legal change?
Yes
Should we have a statement that acknowledges the First Peoples of Australia?
Yes. This should be in the Constitution.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
It is important to insert a statement recognising that Australia was first occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging their relationship with traditional lands and waters, and with references to continuing cultures, languages
Should the word 'race' be taken out of the Constitution?
Yes
Should the Australian Parliament keep the power to make special laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
No
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
The Australian Parliament should not make special laws for people of any race, but acknowledge the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
Yes
Should the guarantee protect all Australians against racial discrimination, or only Indigenous Australians?
All Australians
If there is not enough support for a guarantee in the Constitution, what other things can we do to stop racial discrimination in national laws?
Adopt a new section prohibiting the government from passing laws that discriminate on the basis of race, colour or culture.
Do you think Indigenous people should have a say when Parliament and government make laws and policies about Indigenous affairs?
Yes
Should a new Indigenous group be set up under the Constitution to give advice and make sure Indigenous people have a voice in political decisions that affect them?
Yes
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
Establish an Indigenous Advisory Group that advises Parliament on matters relating to Indigenous peoples. Reforming the constitution and involving the Indigenous Advisory Group could help bring about real changes in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Stra
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Governments should not be able to discriminate against people on the basis of race. This power has been used several times by governments to enact legislation to affect only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No, we should not keep section 25. It should be removed as it reflects past discrimination against Indigenous peoples' right to vote.
Do you have any other comments?
It is important that Indigenous Australians are included in the constitutional processes and text. These changes will build stronger relationships of trust and mutual respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non Aboriginal people.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Organisation