SAC #4 - Constitutional Referendums Q's

Question 1

What were the reasons for the 1967 referendum?

Answer 1

• To remove any ground for the belief that the Constitution discriminated against Indigenous Australians.
• To allow the Commonwealth to make special laws for Indigenous Australians.

Question 2

Who were supporters of the 1967 referendum?

Answer 2

• Indigenous Australians

- Activist groups

Question 3

Who opposed the 1967 referendum?

Answer 3

Select politicians.

Question 4

What were the questions put to the people in the 1967 referendum?

Answer 4

1. Whether I.A’s should be included in the census.

2. Whether the Commonwealth should be allowed to make policies in respect of them.

Question 5

What was the outcome of the referendum? (Include stats).

Answer 5

OUTCOME: Carried.

Australian population
FOR: 90.77%
AGAINST: 9.23%

States
FOR: 6
AGAINST: 0

Question 6

Was there a subsequent change in the division of law-making powers between the states and Commonwealth after 1967 referendum?

Answer 6

Yes.

• Commonwealth could now make laws in relation to welfare of Indigenous Australians and they could be included in the national census.
• Commonwealth could now direct government spending towards Indigenous affairs.
• Altered S51(xxvi) and deleted S127.

Question 7

What were the reasons for the 1999 referendum?

Answer 7

• To lessen Australia’s ties with Britain.

- To have a self-elected, Australian head of state (rather than a Governor General).

Question 8

Who supported the 1999 referendum?

Answer 8

• Australian media

- Politicians

Question 9

Who opposed the 1999 referendum?

Answer 9

Monarchist groups.

Question 10

What were the questions put to the Australian people in the 1999 referendum?

Answer 10

1. Whether Australia should become a republic , with the Crown being replaced by a President.
2. Whether a preamble should be inserted.

Question 11

What was the outcome of the 1999 referendum? (Include stats).

Answer 11

OUTCOME: Rejected.

Australian population
FOR: 45.13%
AGAINST: 54.87%

States
FOR: 0
AGAINST: 6

Question 12

Was there a subsequent change in the division of law-making power as a result of the 1999 referendum?

Answer 12

No :(

Question 13

List some reasons why the 1999 referendum failed.

Answer 13

• Voter conservatism: The specifics of the new republic were not given well, therefore the people did not understand what they would be promoting so they did not take the risk.
• Opposition in the community: Repulican groups (who should have been for the referendum) disagreed with method of selection.
• Contradictes principle of representative government: Parliament would elect President, not people.

Question 14

What are the factors that led to the success of the 1967 referendum?

Answer 14

• Strong activism by both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous groups in support of Indienous rights (Freedom ride of 1965).
• Timing: Australian population were growing increasingly more tolerant of I.A’s at this point in time; if the same referendum were held 10 years earlier, it would not have had such overwhelming support.
• Bipartisan support: In 1964 Opposition claimed it would back any referendum similar to that of the 1967 referendum (means everyone would agree with what party says).

Question 15

Why have Australians been so hesitant to vote in favour of referendums?

Answer 15

• Voter conservatism.
• Lack of bipartisan support.
• Confusion/Lack of understanding.
• Erosion of states’ rights.
• Timing.

Question 16

How many proposed changes have been carried since 1901?

Answer 16

Of 19 referendums (with 44 proposed changes), only 8 changes have been carried.