What is your full name?
Mark Benson
What is your postal code?
2450
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 would prefer a treaty but constitutional recognition is a step in the right direction.
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?
Right at the front
What should the statement say?
We acknowledge the first peoples of this land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, as the original occupants and thank them for their 60,000 years of continuous stewardship and care of this special place. We acknowledge their sacrifice and their g
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?
It seems what was intended to be a good thing for ATSI peoples has been used to inflict all manner of injustice against them. I think they would be better off without "Special 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?
I'm sure our clever lawmakers can come up with the right words. I'm surprised it isn't in there already (not really, the original authors loved to discriminate - you were either a WASP or trash). Doesn't matter where you put it as long as it is in there.
Should the guarantee protect all Australians against racial discrimination, or only Indigenous Australians?
All Australians
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?
No
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
If we remove powers to make laws specifically for ATSI peoples then this would be redundant.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
De-legitimises the act of any State removing the right to vote on the basis of race. Hopefully this right is not created in any State constitution or law ?
Is there any point in keeping it?
None !
Do you have any other comments?
This Recognition movement is losing momentum. Most Australians just want our governments and lawmakers to get on with it ! Many are losing interest. Some, like me are moving on to a much bigger goal of treaty. For god's sake hurry up and put it to the peo
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual