Discussion paper response

Jesse Rowan
What is your full name?
Jesse Rowan
What is your postal code?
2536
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?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders should have the same rights as other Australians. I agree with the dfolowing: 1. adding a statement to the Constitution, or making a Declaration, that says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First
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
What should the statement say?
We should acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived on the continent and its islands before the British arrived. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still have a relationship with their lands and waters. It could talk
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
An apology should be clearly put on behalf of current Australians for the past history inflicted by white settlement of Australia. A statement of support and reparation, and of the commitment to address the problems now experienced by these peoples should
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Their rights should be protected, and there should be a way for governments to ensure their communities are supported properly and assisted to heal/to help decide their own future. Special laws may be needed to allow funding for education, social support
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 races should be protected; our multi-cultural identity should be preserved - each race supported in its uniqueness, but no one race should be allowed to suppress or inflict physical or emotional pain on another.
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?
Retain the protection contained in laws about freedom of speech which do not allow stupid shock jock radio announcers and politicians or other outspoken people to slander or discriminate against anyone.
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
There should be penalties for people who show racial discrimination. Public officials should be asked to apologise and resign, and pay reparation when applicable.
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?
Yes
Do you have any ideas about what the new group would look like?
It should be a mix of young, old, male female, and be people put forward by their local communities as someone they respect and trust. It should include indigenous elders, educated people, and young energetic bright sparkling men and women.
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
They should be a public presence, with paragraphs about their credentials and personal history and photos available on the internet that show their talents and dedication, to promote respect for what they decide.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Show a more positive attitude, tidy up old hat that is now obsolete.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No
Do you have any other comments?
This would be a step towards unity, a way to narrow the gap between us and them, to allow us all to walk in pride and free of our past sad history. I think young white people still carry the guilt of what happened at settlement. I think education is the k
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual