What is your full name?
Charlotte Piper
What is your postal code?
7000
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 include acknowledgement of their occupation prior to 'discovery' by European explorers/settlers. Acknowledge the continuing culture. Remove the use of 'race' within legal documents. Prevent the abuse of power against Aboriginal and Torres Strait
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. In a brief statement of Australia's history, and the purpose of the constitution.
What should the statement say?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been the original custodians of this land for several thousand years before it was claimed, in 1788, by British settlers. Whilst over time these peoples have developed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islande
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
It should acknowledge the many nations, cultures and languages. Also include a statement of, or apology for, the abuse of power from the government. Australia of the 21st century has developed from that of the early settlers, the statement should reflect
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Any law that is applied should have been proven through discussion with community, and have empirical evidence, to have a positive effect on the community; as defined by the effected communities. Laws should be justified by being able to have the same ef
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?
No law or policy is to be put in place the creates inequality between groups. Instead law and policy should work towards removing inequality, to create an equitable Australian culture and population. It should be a guarantee against discrimination on a f
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?
Statement that all laws should work towards reducing inequality, for individuals and population groups.
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
In doing so, it should not require for an individual or group to define their race when defending their rights.
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?
I don't know
Do you have any ideas about what the new group would look like?
Representatives from each state and territory, who is advised from regional groups within the state.
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
Should not favour a particular indigenous nation, or state/territory based on population size or social/political influence. Elected by the community they represent.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Remove a redundant section. Foster support for diversity. Send a message that all citizens should not have to doubt their right to vote.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Do you have any other comments?
Constitutional recognition should be seen as a step towards bridging the gap and working towards an agreement like a treaty.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual