Discussion paper response

Ian Craig Marshall
What is your full name?
Ian Craig Marshall
What is your postal code?
3015
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 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia should recognise the existence of Australia's First Nations with a statement that acknowledges the First Nations' land rights and human rights.
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?
The statement should acknowledge and recognise the existence of the First Nations prior to European settlement and the First Nations' human and land rights.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
This is a high priority issue that has been left unresolved long beyond the point in time that Australians accepted the need for Constitutional change and redress.
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?
Australia's First People are equal to all Australians and don't need parternalistic treatment.
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
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?
Ensure all States and Territories have relevant anti-discrimination laws.
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
No
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?
It must be in accordance with the wishes and lore of Australia's First People.
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
No
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Equal access to democratic processes for all citizens.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Do you have any other comments?
No
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual