What is your full name?
Anonymous
What is your postal code?
2143
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?
It should recognise the indisputable fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were the original inhabitants of Australia
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.
What should the statement say?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were the original inhabitants of Australia
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
The recognition of the original people of Australia in our constitution is essential if Australia is to become a mature nation which recognises its history and its implications for our future development.
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?
No
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders need to have a major role in laws which affect their lives. This is a basic human right.
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?
There should be a statement about the guarantee of no discrimination on the basis of race, religion etc. A bill of rights would assist as a foundation document upon which all laws are formulated.
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 bill of rights which clearly outlines the rights of all.
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
A change in the constitution will not stop racial discrimination but it will help to clearly define the values upon which this country's laws are formulated.
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?
No
Do you have any ideas about what the new group would look like?
A difficult group to establish the representation of all the groups within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait community
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
Needs to involve a genuine dialogue with Aboriginal communities across Australia. Particularly those who are currently the subject of laws established by whit law makers.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
A potential to discriminate against specific groups by those who hold power.
Is there any point in keeping it?
Only if the purpose is to discriminate against particular people, races, beliefs etc
Do you have any other comments?
The recognition of the original peoples of Australia is essential for our nation to become a mature nation. This is an important process which needs to involve all Australians.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual