Discussion paper response

Andrew Francis Oliver
What is your full name?
Andrew Francis Oliver
What is your postal code?
3163
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?
The preamble should change to reflect the prior occupation of Australia before British invasion.
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 preamble.
What should the statement say?
(Preamble) An Act to establish and constitute the Republic of Australia. Whereas the peoples of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and other diverse Territories, have agreed to unite in one indissoluble
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
Wait until consensus and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Then, pursuant to a treaty, enact an Australian Republic ...
Should the word 'race' be taken out of the Constitution?
No
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?
Section 51.
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
The laws should benefit people, else challenge in court.
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
No
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?
Rather a general covenant against unfair discrimination on any ground.
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
Do you have any ideas about what the new group would look like?
Require two Senators in each state and one in each Territoory to be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
As part of the Senate, they should be elected by and from Indigenous people.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
Do you have any other comments?
See for example https://www.scribd.com/document/198058974/Republic-of-Australia-Constitution-2050
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual