Discussion paper response

derek james robertson
What is your full name?
derek james robertson
What is your postal code?
2485
Do you support recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by changing the Constitution or making some other kind of legal change?
Yes
What should the change look like?
simple recognition of prior occupancy and possession, and the colonists' consequential obligations toward aboriginal people under British law.
Should we have a statement that acknowledges the First Peoples of Australia?
Yes. This should be in the Constitution.
Where is the best place to put it?
opening statement
What should the statement say?
it should be shaped by my response to the previous question
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?
Yes
Do you have any ideas on what new words could be used to describe that power, or where in the Constitution to put the power?
sorry, no idea
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
I don't know
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?
retain sections 18C and D
Do you think Indigenous people should have a say when Parliament and government make laws and policies about Indigenous affairs?
I don't know
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?
No
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
my guess is that it would be difficult to establish a representative group. I think the existing Parties will continue seek to select strong representatives of indigenous communities and that the welfare of indigenous people should continue to be guarante
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
Is there any point in keeping it?
I was unaware of this provision and it astounds me. I see no purpose in it.
Do you have any other comments?
I am a former member of a State parliament and I do not have enough knowledge of the provisions of the constitution Act to provide informed comment. I really think that some questions about the particularities of the document presume a level of familiarit
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual