What is your full name?
Judith Dwyer
What is your postal code?
5031
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?
I support the recommendations of the Expert Panel, for meaningful change in the constitution, and for abolishing the race power.
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, and in state constitutions, and everywhere it is relevant in policies and laws.
What should the statement say?
The statement should acknowledge the prior occupation, the stewardship and the continuing contribution of the First Peoples of Australia. It should honour cultures, resilience and survival.
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?
It is problematic to say 'for' a group, because of the wide range of interpretations of what is in the interests of the group. However that is done, there could be a statement that rules out use of the power where it would reduce the standing and rights o
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
It is important that the states and territories continue to have this power as well, and meet their responsibilities.
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?
I'm happy to leave that to the experts
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?
There needs to be an Australian bill of rights, as called for by previous Human Rights Commissioners.
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
I'm not sure about this. There is a danger that such a 'group' will become more of a problem than a solution, particularly since it is likely to continue for a very long time if it's in the constitution. So I'm inclined to say no, better to use other mech
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Getting rid of a dangerous anachronism.
Is there any point in keeping it?
None.
Do you have any other comments?
I was 16 in 1967, and I vividly remember the sense of pride and excitement in the mainstream community when the vote was so positive and decisive. And in subsequent years, I remember the upswelling of pride, organisation and advocacy in the Aboriginal com
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual