What does Australian referendum mean?
When a change is proposed to the State or Commonwealth Constitution, a referendum is held to gauge the opinion of electors about the proposed change. A referendum usually asks a question or questions to which all eligible electors must vote either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. For electors, referendums are very similar to elections.
When was the voting age changed from 21 to 18 in Australia?
The voting age for all federal elections was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1973.
Why did the referendum happen?
Key facts. The Australian Constitution sets out the laws of Australia. Referendums are the only way that you can change the Australian Constitution. The 1967 Referendum sought to change two sections of the Constitution in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
When was Australia’s last referendum?
The Australian republic referendum held on 6 November 1999 was a two-question referendum to amend the Constitution of Australia….1999 Australian republic referendum.
| Response | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Valid votes | 11,683,811 | 99.14% |
| Invalid or blank votes | 101,189 | 0.86% |
| Total votes | 11,785,000 | 100.00% |
| Registered voters/turnout | 12,392,040 | 95.1% |
What requires a referendum in Australia?
Referendums have been held in Australia to approve parliament-proposed changes to the Constitution of Australia or to the constitutions of states and territories. Voting in a referendum is compulsory for those on the electoral roll, in the same way that it is compulsory to vote in a general election.
When did Aboriginal get the right to vote in Australia?
Indigenous Australians were granted the universal right to vote in federal elections in 1962 under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1962.
What countries can 16 year olds vote?
Voting ages around the world The minimum age is 16 in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Malta, Nicaragua, Scotland and Wales, and the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey (three self-governing British Crown Dependencies). The highest minimum voting age is 21 in several nations.
When was the first referendum in Australia?
First referendum: 1898 In June 1898 referendums were held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Australia was the first nation to take a proposed constitution to the people for approval. (Switzerland had held a referendum to approve changes to its constitution in 1874).
What are the rules of a referendum?
A referendum is only passed if it is approved by a majority of voters across the nation and a majority of voters in a majority of states—this is known as a double majority. Territory voters are only counted in the national majority. If a referendum is successful, the change is made to the Constitution.