What is your full name?
Bronwyn Long
What is your postal code?
3103
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?
It should be included in the Constitution and should include a treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders.
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?
At the start of the Constitution
What should the statement say?
It should acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders as the First Peoples of the region and recognize their faithful stewardship of the country.
Do you have any other comments on a statement about the First Peoples of Australia?
It should reflect the essence of the First Peoples and set down a commitment to protect the most important things associated with their society and culture.
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 should allow the Government to make laws designed to enhance the quality of life of all Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander People.
Do you have any other comments on powers to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders must have a say in the laws designed to affect their lives.
Do you think that a guarantee against racial discrimination should go into the Constitution?
I don't know
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?
Current laws about racial discrimination must be retained to protect people of all racial backgrounds.
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?
It would need to be a broad representation of Indigenous people, selected by indigenous people.
Should we delete section 25?
Yes
What would we achieve by getting rid of section 25?
A sense of acceptance and ability to share responsibility
Do you have any other comments?
For far too long various Governments have frequently changed laws without regard to the views of Indigenous People and this has resulted in feelings of helplessness and insecurity. Indigenous People must have a voice in determining their future.
Are you making a submission on behalf of a person (such as yourself) or organisation?
Individual