What is your full name?
Shane McWhinney
What is your postal code?
2601
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?
A clear recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were the first people here. Beyond recognition I would like to see two new seats created in the parliament dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for whom the whole nation can vo
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?
At the start in a preamble.
What should the statement say?
A clear recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were the first people to inhabit what is now Australia and continue in their habitation.
Should the word 'race' be taken out of the Constitution?
No
Should the Australian Parliament keep the power to make special laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Yes
Do you have any ideas on what new words could be used to describe that power, or where in the Constitution to put the power?
The power to make special laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be expressly limited to laws for their benefit and advancement.
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
No
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?
The law already forbids racial discrimination; the law is not the problem. Culture and institutions need to change.
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?
I'd prefer to ensure that actual members of Parliament are indigenous (say two new seats) and are engaged in the parliamentary debate; not some new bureaucratic body being consulted that Parliament is free to ignore.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
It's an anachronism.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual