What is your full name?
Nicholas O'Dwyer
What is your postal code?
2041
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?
The Constitution should acknowledge the First Peoples of Australia and recognise their special place in Australia. There should also be a treaty between Indigenous people and the government.
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?
Either as a preamble in a new head of power or in a statutory Declaration of Recognition.
What should the statement say?
Recognise that the continent and its islands now known as Australia were first occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Acknowledge the continuing relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their traditional lan
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
It is important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say in the type of recognition that they want.
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?
No
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
It is important that there be a continuation of necessary laws with respect to Indigenous issues. The Commonwealth should have this power - it should not be left to the states. However, a new Indigenous group to be set up under the Constitution should be
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?
No
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?
A guarantee against racial discrimination could be implemented by the federal Parliament.
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
It is important to have a prohibition against racial discrimination in the Constitution.
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?
No
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should determine this.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Remove any possibility of a State government excluding some Australians from voting in State elections on the basis of their race.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual