What is your full name?
Melissa Cole
What is your postal code?
2170
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?
Changes to the flag, our national anthem, our constitution and our national public holiday. A treaty should also be signed.
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?
The constitution
What should the statement say?
I recognise the original land owners of Australia the Torres Straight Islands, ancient peoples with a strong connection with the land and water. Their rich and diverse cultural heritage. I recognise the pain and suffering brought upon these people and a
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
It has to recognise the wonderful cultural diversity that our indigenous people offer all of Australia.
Should the word 'race' be taken out of the Constitution?
I don't know
Should the Australian Parliament keep the power to make special laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
I don't know
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
Yes
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?
Preventing cultural identity from overshadowing the traditions and celebrations of other cultures
Do you have any other comments on changing the Constitution to stop racial discrimination?
It should be part of citizenship tests, should be illegal.
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?
You would need to consult Aboriginal Elders to deliberate on this- they would know how they are best placed to achieve success.
Should we delete section 25?
I don't know
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual