What is the name of the organisation?
School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University
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?
The current Constitution of Australia has language that reflects the 18th century colonising forces that illegally occupied this Asia/Pacific region. Changes to the Constitution are needed to protect all Australians. These should include; • Inserting a co
Should we have a statement that acknowledges the First Peoples of Australia?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
This needs to be decided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and leaders.
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?
No
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?
A prohibition against racial discrimination should be inserted into the Constitution as a new Section.
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?
Keep Section 18C
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
This would help protect all Australians against racial discrimination.
Do you think Indigenous people should have a say when Parliament and government make laws and policies about Indigenous affairs?
I don't know
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
A Commonwealth Treaty is a better option. Providing a voice within the existing Parliament structure would not change the status quo. A Treaty would help ensure representation in Parliament and changes to sovereignty would mean that the Commonwealth cou
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
This removes the possibility that a givernment could ban an Australian on the basis of race. Removing section 25 is consistent with removing all references to 'race' from the Constitution.
Do you have any other comments?
We believe many of the social determinants of health affecting Indigenous peoples in Australia are a contemporary reflection of historical and continuing treatment (Dick, 2007). Despite the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (Austr
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Organisation