What is your full name?
Elizabeth Evatt
What is your postal code?
2010
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 declaration of the millennial occupation of this land by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Power to make laws in respect of ATSI peoples, provided those laws do not discriminate against their interests. Prohibition of discrimination on the
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?
Preamble
What should the statement say?
I'll refrain from putting yet another version of the recognition that this land was occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years before Europeans came here to settle.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
It should be agreed by all relevant groups.
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?
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 Commonwealth should have power to make laws with respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, [provided that those laws do not discriminate against those peoples]
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
It is necessary to give the Commonwealth power.
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?
The Commonwealth shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the ground of race or colour. That is the minimum, better to add "sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status". A
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?
We already have the Racial Discrimination Act, which should never be undermined or diminished.
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
It is beyond my competence to propose how to do this. It must come from the indigenous communities.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
eliminates the offensive concept of race from the Constitution
Is there any point in keeping it?
None, it is offensive.
Do you have any other comments?
Best of luck with your endeavour.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual