What is your full name?
derek james robertson
What is your postal code?
2485
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?
The Constitution should acknowledge the prior possession of Australia and its surrounding islands by groups exercising collective ownership of the lands and waters of what is now the Commonwealth of Australia.
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 Preamble
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?
My 'yes' answer is tentative. I am not sure that the power should be enduring because it should not be necessary if first peoples are truly respected and acknowledged and treated fairly, but 'yes' provides a better guarantee than 'no'.
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 do not think the guarantee should be restricted to guaranteeing the rights of Aboriginal and TSI people. It needs to be extended to all discernibly different groups. (Sorry...I did not see the next question coming)
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?
I don't know
Do you have any other comments on this Indigenous group?
I am more comfortable about the prospect of statutory 'consultative or advisory councils' on particular sectors of Federal Government administration
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual