What is meant by a referendum in Australia?

In Australia, a referendum is a vote used to approve a change to the Australian Constitution. Section 128 of the Constitution sets out certain rules that must be followed in order for a change to be approved.

What exactly is a referendum?

A referendum (plural: referendums or less commonly referenda) is a direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue. This is in contrast to an issue being voted on by a representative. It can have nationwide or local forms. This may result in the adoption of a new policy or specific law.

How does an Australian referendum work?

Section 128 of the Constitution provides that any proposed amendment to the Constitution must be passed by an absolute majority in both Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament. At the referendum the proposed alteration must be approved by a ‘double majority’. a national majority of voters in the states and territories.

What happened in the 1898 Australian referendum?

In 1898 referendums on the Commonwealth Constitution Bill were held in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. A majority of ‘yes’ votes was recorded in each colony but in New South Wales the enabling legislation required a quota of 80 000. Majorities were achieved in all colonies.

Why do referendums fail in Australia?

The primary cause of No votes has been committed opposition, which has been successful if the Commonwealth opposition has opposed it. Opposition by state political parties, or by powerful interest groups, has also contributed to referendum failure.

Why did the 1999 referendum fail in Australia?

For some years opinion polls had suggested that a majority of the electorate favoured a republic. Nonetheless, the republic referendum was defeated, partly due to division among republicans on the method proposed for selection of the president and dissident republicans subsequently supporting the no campaign.

Why was the first referendum not passed?

The first four referendums were held in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria in June 1898. Although all four saw a majority vote in favour, the majority in New South Wales was insufficient. Knowledge of the result in New South Wales led to low voter turnout in South Australia.

Why was the 1967 referendum so important?

Cultural competence. The 1967 Referendum was the most successful in our history winning 93 percent of votes cast. This empowered the national government to make laws in respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that could assist in addressing inequalities.

What rights do Australian citizens enjoy?

equal rights before the law and equality of opportunity for all. Australian citizens have an obligation to: • obey the law; • defend Australia should the need arise; and • vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in referenda.

Which is the best definition of a referendum?

English Language Learners Definition of referendum. : an event in which the people of a county, state, etc., vote for or against a law that deals with a specific issue : a public vote on a particular issue. referendum.

How is the constitution passed in a referendum?

Section 128 of the Constitution provides that any proposed amendment to the Constitution must be passed by an absolute majority in both Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament. At the referendum the proposed alteration must be approved by a ‘double majority’. That is:

Which is the only state in Australia to have a referendum?

Apart from 1937, in which Victoria and Queensland were the only two states in favour, only these cases have followed a consistent pattern: a Yes vote in the two most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria, and a No vote in most or all of the other states.

How many referendums have been approved in the United States?

That is: a majority of voters in a majority of the states (i.e. at least four out of six states). Since Federation, only eight out of 44 proposals to amend the Constitution have been approved (see Referendum dates and results). Voting in referendums is compulsory for enrolled voters.