Discussion paper response

Lois Beck
What is your full name?
Lois Beck
What is your postal code?
2560
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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need a voice in parliament and not just as a consultant on issues to do with their lands but how the constitution sees them. They are the original land owners and it should be constitutionally acknowledged.
Should we have a statement that acknowledges the First Peoples of Australia?
Yes. This should be in the Constitution.
What should the statement say?
I think that what it should say should be discussed with the leaders of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.
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 Constitution as a whole needs to be up-dated and put into a language that is easily understood. Since it is over one hundred years old. No I have no idea what new words to describe that power or where to put it as long as it is included.
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
That should be discussed with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait island people themselves. What I may comment on may not be what they want.
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?
If there is not enough support to put it in the constitution, which I think will not happen, then maybe a separate act shoul be established.
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?
If the indigenous group is formed, it should not only be giving advice but have a voice in the decision, so that the government isn't just giving lip service but acting on that advice for the betterment of the indigenous people.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
That there would not be a loop hole for people to try to stop certain people who are eligible to vote in an election, for their own ends.
Is there any point in keeping it?
Australia is supposed to be a multinational country, all different people together to become one nation. If you keep it, that suggests that certain people are not really counted as Australian.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual