What is your full name?
Mary Grocott
What is your postal code?
2800
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?
We were here long before white people came. As more and more research is done there is more and more proof of our existence in the land.
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?
In the Constitution as a recognition of our presence prior to European settlement
What should the statement say?
That the Constitution recognises the prior occupation of the country before the arrival of Europeans or any other nationalities
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?
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?
By giving us the vote in 1967 our right to recognition was enshrined in Law and we should be equal with all other nationalities who have arrived since the occupation of the land by others.
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
We should have our own Parliament which is complementary to the elected Government of the country. Only we know our needs as a nation and should be listened to for our own good
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?
That should be left to those with the knowledge and judgment of the elders.
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?
Keep Section 18c of the Constitution as a protection against racial villification
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?
No
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
Our people should stand for Parliament at Federal and State level so that we have a voice
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual