What is your full name?
Lachlan Thomas Muir
What is your postal code?
2763
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?
I would put a recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Preamble of the Constitution. Words to the effect of 'It is recognised and respected that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are the first peoples of Australia and traditional
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?
Preamble or in the body
What should the statement say?
See above
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
We need to begin to make amends and show true recognition of Indigenous Australians. Their culture is fading quickly and we should make efforts to preserve and recognise their culture.
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?
The power should be constricted to being used for the good/benefit of ATSI persons. It would be preferable that Indigenous community leaders be involved in the making of laws with respect to ATSI communities. This would ensure greater acceptance of the la
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?
I would like to see the inclusion of a Bill of Rights into the Australian Constitution. This would be an appropriate place to put all rights guaranteed to the Australian people. I would use the Canadian Constitution's overriding provision to mediate the r
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?
Preservation of s 18C in the RDA
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?
A collection of various Aboriginal leaders and representatives from a culmination of groups
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Limiting legislative power of the States, improving equality
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Do you have any other comments?
I have studied Constitutional law at university and I would love to see some changes made to the Constitution. A particular change I am passionate about is having a review clause in the Constitution that means that every 5-10 years, a formal review and la
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual