Discussion paper response

Helen Lockton
What is your full name?
Helen Lockton
What is your postal code?
2478
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.
Where is the best place to put it?
At the opening paragraph of The Constitution
What should the statement say?
Acknowledge the original owners of the land as the First Peoples
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
We should value their knowledge
Should the word 'race' be taken out of the Constitution?
I don't know
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?
Acknowledge the First Peoples and ensure equality in all aspects of life
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
Yes
Do you have any ideas about what words to use for that guarantee, or where in the Constitution to put it?
honour all peoples
Should the guarantee protect all Australians against racial discrimination, or only Indigenous Australians?
All Australians
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?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
equality before the law
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual