Change - Referendums

Question 1

How many Referenda have succeeded

Answer 1

8 of 44

Question 2

How many had majority of people

Answer 2

13 of 44 5 failed because didn’t have majority of the states

Question 3

Example of Words Deleted

Answer 3

1967 Referendum Section 127 Aborigines not to be counted in reckoning population (91% of electors voted for this section to be struck out.)

Question 4

Example of Words Added

Answer 4

1946 Referendum: Section 51 (xxiii) Successful referendum clarified the power of Comm. Parliament to make laws regarding other social security benefits e.g. maternity allowances, pensions etc.

Question 5

Making Change - Step 1

Answer 5

Bill to alter constitution introduced to Parliament

Question 6

Making Change - Step 2

Answer 6

Bill passes both houses or Bill passed by 1 house twice & Governor-General agrees

Question 7

Making Change - Step 3

Answer 7

Vote between 2 & 6 months Yes/No vote required

Question 8

Making Change - Step 4

Answer 8

Majority of Voters Majority of States (i.e at least 4)

Question 9

Making Change - Step 5

Answer 9

Alteration receives Royal Assent

Question 10

Structural Reasons for Failure

Answer 10

• Strict Formula for Change
• Complex proposals
  
  • Changes are sometimes complex & can’t be expressed in simple language
  • If people don’t understand the change ► vote no

Question 11

Other Reasons for Failure

Answer 11

Contentious Issues

• ´Unless referendum questions have bipartisan support (two-party support) from the leaders of the major political parties they will fail.

´SUSPICION OF POLITIAN’S MOTIVES

• ´Referendum proposals are perceived as a grab for power by parliamentarians, therefore preventing change.

´DESIRE TO MAINTAIN STATES’ RIGHTS

• ´Many proposals have been interpreted by the states as having the potential to shift too much power to the Commonwealth.
• If state Premiers reject the referendum and urge a ‘no’ vote, proposed change is unlikely to be successful.

Question 12

5 Strengths of Referendum System

Answer 12

1. The people can have thier say
2. Protection of smaller states
3. Protection of the Constitiution
4. One house can of parliament can force a referendum
5. Cumpulsory vote

Question 13

4 Weaknesses of Referendum System

Answer 13

1. Distrust and lack of understanding (People see politicians grabbing power)
2. Double majority (very difficult to achieve)
3. Conservative (people resist change)
4. Bipartisan Support