Discussion paper response

Evelyn Kroczek
What is your full name?
Evelyn Kroczek
What is your postal code?
6722
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?
In the first instance, we support changes to the Australian Constitution to recognise ATSI peoples and guarantee against racial discrimination. Secondly, we recommend strong action outside the Constitution to ensure an Indigenous voice in national politic
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?
Recognition of Indigenous people should be contained both in the Preamble and in Section 51A of the Constitution.
What should the statement say?
As per the statements proposed by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians (2012) and the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee (2015).
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?
Suggest that Aboriginal wording be used to describe the power of the Australian parliament to make special laws for Aboriginal people and to protect and promote Indigenous human rights.
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
See comments below relating to an Indigenous Voice in government.
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?
Insert in Section 116A.
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?
The Constitution must include a guarantee, AND the Racial Discrimination Act strengthened (not diluted).
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?
We support: 1. The creation of a National Council of First Nations with legislative powers delegated by the Australian Government to make binding national laws on specific issues relevant to Indigenous peoples – e.g. Indigenous heritage, health, native ti
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Ensure State electoral laws do not discriminate against people based on 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