Discussion paper response

Lucy McKnight
What is your full name?
Lucy McKnight
What is your postal code?
2095
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?
It should be acknowledged that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders were living on this land at the time of European discovery and occupation.
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?
Right at the start
What should the statement say?
We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders were the first people of Australia, living on the land we collectively call home.
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
We should work together with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people to come to a solution that's appropriate. This does not feel like a decision that can be made without their significant input/consultation.
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?
I don't think there's a way to guarantee that racism will cease, however a statement about no tolerance for discrimination that is backed up by law would be appropriate.
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
I'm flabagasted that it's taken so long to have this conversation.
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
Is it worth creating the new group if it can only give advice and does not have the power to block new laws?
No
Do you have any ideas about what the new group would look like?
A group of leaders from different Indigenous country groups that reflects the perspectives of these groups across the country. They should be nominated by their own people.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
A fairer voting process that better reflects the communities we live it.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual