Discussion paper response

Anonymous
What is your full name?
Anonymous
What is your postal code?
2446
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?
An acknowledgement that Australia was inhabited by aboriginal peoples for thousands of years before white settlement.
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?
A preamble
What should the statement say?
Aboriginal peoples inhabited Australia for thousands of years and showed an understanding of its environment. Their cultural practices are recognised. The land was ofrcefully aquired from them.
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 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?
A recognision that all races living in Australia deserve the same respect and equality before the law.
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
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
We state clearly that racial discrimination is illegal in Australia.
Is there any point in keeping it?
no
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual