4.2.8 - Reason for Constitutional reform

Question 1

four reasons for constitutional reform

Answer 1

• recognise first nations people
• increase protection of rights
• change the Commonwealth’s law making power
• reform Australia’s political system

Question 2

recognition of first nations people

Answer 2

• constitution has no mention of or recognition of first nations people
• polices and lawmaking regarding first nations were left to the states (inconsistencies occur)
  eg. 2023 referendum to create voice in parliament

Question 3

increase protection of rights

Answer 3

• constitution contains express rights which are limited in number and scope
• there have been calls to change the constitution to protect basic democratic freedoms
  e.g. constitutional protection of the freedom of speech

Question 4

change the commonwealth’s law making power

Answer 4

• Law-making powers; Exclusive, Concurrent, Residual
• The commonwealth has tried to change the constitution to provide it with more power:
  eg. Power to control companies, labour and employment

Question 5

reform Australia’s political system

Answer 5

• timing of terms, allow more people to be eligible to sit in parliament, and change Australia to a republic (1999)