Discussion paper response

Tasmanian Catholic Justice and Peace Commission
What is the name of the organisation?
Tasmanian Catholic Justice and Peace Commission
What is the postal code of the organisation?
None
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 support the proposed statement of the Expert Panel. It is complete and comprehensive, and it should be universally acceptable. We believe it should be a preamble to the constitution.
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
What should the statement say?
We support the proposed statement by the Expert Panel.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
This statement belongs in the Australian Constitution because it is the legal and political foundation document of our country. When, as we hope, it is passed by a referendum this will be a "national defining moment of reconciliation".
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?
We defer to the Expert Panel's recommendations.
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
We are unsure of the complete legal ramifications of this particular question but feel strongly that we should never support discrimination against any race. Further, we do not want to return to pre-1967 conditions but we feel that Aboriginal and Torres S
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?
While we do not have specific words, we feel strongly that "it should allow for laws that are specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but which don't discriminate them". This process should involve consultation with Aboriginal and Torres
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?
Australia could be guided by, or indeed ratify, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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 other comments on this Indigenous group?
While we feel this an important issue we would not like to see technicalities inhibit a clear and simple referendum question.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
We protect the right of all citizens to vote in elections.
Do you have any other comments?
We make this submission informed by Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values, which include: respecting the dignity of each person; standing in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters; valuing the right of all peop
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Organisation