Chapter 14.3

Question 1

key factors affecting referendum success

Answer 1

• whether there is bipartisan support for the proposal
• whether the voters themselves are seeking change
• the nature of the proposal
• education about the proposal.

Question 2

bipartisan support

Answer 2

“Bipartisan support” means approval from major political parties, like the ALP and the Liberal Party. The success of referendums often depends on whether these parties back the proposed changes. If one party opposes a change, it can lead a ‘no’ campaign and influence voters. For example, the 1951 Communist Party referendum failed because the ALP opposed it, while the 1967 referendum succeeded with bipartisan support. State premiers can also impact outcomes, especially if they campaign against the change, as support from four states is needed for a referendum to pass.

Question 3

whether voters are seeking change

Answer 3

A referendum is more likely to succeed if driven by popular support rather than just the government. For instance, the 1967 referendum on First Nations rights had strong backing because it was a “people’s movement.” When the government leads a change, voters may be wary and prefer to maintain the status quo. Support can also decrease as a referendum approaches, as seen in the 1999 republic referendum, where initial enthusiasm waned due to lack of bipartisan support and confusion.

Question 4

the nature of the proposal

Answer 4

A referendum is more likely to succeed if the proposed change is clear and easy to understand. Complex or unclear proposals, like those in the 1988 referendum, may be rejected due to confusion. Simple and sensible proposals are more likely to gain approval. Voters often choose to keep things the same when they find changes confusing or difficult.

Question 5

education about the proposal

Answer 5

A referendum’s success depends on public knowledge and education. Many Australians are not familiar with the Constitution, so clear and simple education campaigns are crucial. The 1999 republic referendum failed partly due to unclear information, while the 1967 referendum succeeded because its straightforward message was easy to understand and support.

Question 6

key referendums

Answer 6

• The indigenous australians refrendum (1967)
• the republic refrendum (1999)
• the voice to parliament refrendum (2023)

Question 7

The australians refrendum (1967)

Answer 7

• the proposal was to delete parts of section 51 (xxvi) to give the commonwealth the power to make laws with respect to first nations people where previously they had been explicitly excluded by the constitution. it also covered repealing section 127 in order to officialy count first nations people in the census as part of the australian population
• this was passed

Question 8

the republic refrendum (1999)

Answer 8

• this proposal was about whether australia would remain a constitutional monarch with the queen as our head of state or whether australia would become a republic. this would mean we have a president instead of a prime minister
• this failed