Discussion paper response

Colleen Hooker
What is your full name?
Colleen Hooker
What is your postal code?
2232
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?
A statement that acknowledges the First Peoples in the Australian Constitution. It is essential if we are going to move forward as a nation.
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?
I am not Aboriginal but I think it is important to consult with Aboriginal people about the best place to put it and what it should say.
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?
No because the powers that be can't be trusted or respected to do this for good and not evil based on past experiences for First People's.
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?
It's not the laws that are the problem, it is the lack of enforcing the laws.
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
Do you have any ideas about what the new group would look like?
Representative of different regions. Elders to be invited to participate.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Racial equality
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual