Discussion paper response

Mr Peter Norman Greenfield
What is your full name?
Mr Peter Norman Greenfield
What is your postal code?
2304
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 change in the constitution that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first people's 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?
Section 51
What should the statement say?
Indigenous people should have a voice in Parliament and a role in decisions that affect them directly.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
Allowing members of the Indigenous society to also make decisions regarding the treatment or incarceration of their own people would allow a bridge to be formed between those of non Indigenous backgrounds.
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?
We are talking about people that have been here longer than any others, time needs to be reserved to them in order to find solutions to inherent problems forced upon them. This time can come in the form of allowing special consideration to members of the
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?
Section 51: Respecting the continuing cultures, languages and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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?
Yes
Is it worth creating the new group if it can only give advice and does not have the power to block new laws?
No
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
Inclusion of people in state government elections voting regardless of race.
Is there any point in keeping it?
No.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual