Discussion paper response

Jordan Bennett
What is your full name?
Jordan Bennett
What is your postal code?
4610
Do you support recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by changing the Constitution or making some other kind of legal change?
Yes
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?
Towards the beginning, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land we call Australia
What should the statement say?
We the people of this land called Australia, recognize the indigenous and traditional owners of this country, their sacrifice and determination in protecting their land, and their contribution in building a reconciled nation.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
However it is worded they need to be recognized as the first people, the traditional owners and custodians of the land, the deaths and sacrifices made in an attempt to protect the land, and the critical role they now play in creating a brighter future for
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 have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
The government should make laws for all people, that are common across all people. They need to speak with the elders or a consultancy board created of elders when special consideration must be made in relation to things like closing the gap. It shouldn't
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?
All I can think of is "don't be a dick". I know its not eloquent, but that's the main message of it.
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?
I don't know if you'll stop racism with law. It has to come through awareness.
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?
They should have the ability to not necessarily block laws, but impact on them. Handing that sort of power to one group of people would be unconstitional.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Equalit
Is there any point in keeping it?
Nope
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual