Referendums and the Australian Constitution

A referendum is...

• A national vote to decide who is going to be Australia's Prime Minister

• A national vote on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution

• A national vote where Australians are asked a simple question

Which Section of the Constitution explains the requirements for passing a referendum?

• Section 1

• Section 151

• Section 128

• Section 127

How many referendum proposals have we had in Australia since Federation and how many have passed?

• 44 proposals and only 7 have passed

• 45 proposals and only 8 have passed

• 46 proposals and only 10 have passed

• 105 proposals and 65 have passed

What is the FIRST thing that has to happen in the referendum process?

• The people must vote on the referendum question

• A bill must be introduced and passed by Parliament which outlines what the referendum question will be

• The AEC sends out the 'YES' and 'NO' campaign pamphlets

• The Governor-General signs the change to the Constitution

When Australian citizens vote in a referendum, they are asked a question. What do they have to write on their referendum ballot paper?

• Their name

• A paragraph how they feel about the referendum question

• 'YES' or 'NO' to the proposed change

If a majority of Australians vote 'YES' to a referendum proposal nationwide, does this mean the referendum will pass?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

NO - because you need a DOUBLE majority for it to pass. Not just a majority overall of Australians but a majority of voters in 4/6 states.

When a referendum proposal is put to the Australian people what is needed to pass?

• An absolute majority

• A double majority

• A simple majority

Which referendum had the highest 'YES' vote in Australian history?

• The 2023 Voice Referendum

• The 1999 Republic Referendum

• The 1967 Aboriginal census referendum

• The 1977 Retirement of Judges referendum

How many referendums has Australia had in the 21st century?

• 0

• 1

• 2

• 8

Did the 2023 Voice Referendum pass or fail?

• PASS

• FAIL