What is your full name?
Janet Dawson
What is your postal code?
2444
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?
It should truthfully acknowledge the previous, long term presence of First Peoples and that their land was unlawfully taken from them.
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?
The Uniting Church in Australia amended the Preamble to its Constitution. I would suggest studying this as a good model.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
The Constitution should acknowledge their culture, Law, economic and agricultural systems, and ongoing relationship with country.
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?
They have their own system of Law which, where it does not conflict with the laws which apply to all Australian residents, should apply.
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
Yes
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?
Not water down existing legislation
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
In NZ, there has been long term especial Maori members of Parliament. I like this idea of a guaranteed indigenous voice, especially as it does not prevent Maori candidates in other constituencies.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Prevent the fear and actuality of legislated discrimination.
Is there any point in keeping it?
I don't know of any
Do you have any other comments?
I strongly support Constitutional Recognition and subsequent development of a Treaty.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual