The A to Z of Australian referendums

A is for Alteration

It just means ‘change’. A referendum is a vote about making a change to Australia’s Constitution. Australia has altered its Constitution 8 times since 1901. 

B is for Ballot

It’s the piece of paper you write your vote on. In Australia ballots are secret, which means it's anonymous. It doesn’t mean you can write a statement, draw a picture, or jot down anything other than ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If you do, your ballot might not count.

C is for Constitution

The Constitution is the rulebook that governs the government. It tells the federal parliament what it can make laws about and it can’t be changed without the Australian public agreeing in a referendum. An early draft of the Constitution was finished on a boat. Long story.

D is for Democracy

Referendums are super democratic. In a regular election, you vote for a person to represent your views. In a referendum, you’re voting directly for or against a proposed change to the Constitution.

E is for Elections

A referendum is like an election to determine if changes should be made to the Constitution. Just like elections, referendums are compulsory and democracy sausages are optional.

F is for Future

While the Constitution was meant to stand the test of time, we were also meant to be able to change it to adapt to the evolving needs of our nation and government. A referendum gives us the chance to make decisions about our Constitution moving into the future.

G is for Government

The government is governed by the Constitution. It sets the rules for how the government can operate: granting powers and setting limitations. Changing the Constitution would change how Australians are governed. Referendums are the government asking the Australian public if we're okay with those changes.

H is for High Court

The High Court is the enforcer of the Constitution. It interprets the Constitution and decides whether something is constitutional or not. It can overrule the government and any laws found to be unconstitutional. The High Court also happens to be in the Constitution.

I is for Internet

The Constitution was ready for the internet before it existed. Some provisions in the Constitution allowed the government to create laws for things that haven't been invented yet. In the past, it covered things like the postal service and telegraph, and today, it extends to radio, television and the internet.

J is for Journey

Referendums don’t come out of nowhere. A referendum is usually only called after a long journey encompassing conversation, debate, activism, public inquiries and official processes.

K is for Knowledge

You don't need to know everything about referendums but understanding how the Constitution works makes your vote in a referendum an informed one. Knowing what’s going on means you’ll make your vote count. 

L is for Laws

The Constitution gives the parliament power to make laws that affect your life. Referendums aren’t about voting on specific laws, those are made in parliament. Referendums are about determining support for proposed changes to the Constitution.

M is for Majority

You’re going to hear this word a lot. More specifically, ‘double majority’. For a referendum to pass, there must be a 'yes' vote from a majority of voters across the nation and from a majority of voters in a majority of states. Thus, the 'double majority'. Territory votes only get counted in determining whether there is a national majority. 

N is for Nation

The Constitution turned 6 colonies into 6 states, unifying Australia as one country. Voting in a referendum means you'll help decide whether or not to change the document that defines the Australian nation.

O is for Opportunity

It's your opportunity to be part of the democratic process. Australia has only had 44 referendums. It’s been 24 years since we last voted on whether or not to change our Constitution. Opportunities to have a say in how we want to be governed don’t come around often.

P is for Parliament

A referendum begins in parliament. First, parliament votes on whether or not it should put forward a change to the Constitution. This sets the question that is going to be put to the Australian public.

Q is for Questions

In a referendum, you will be asked a simple question. The question will be about whether the Constitution should be changed. 

R is for Referendum

They can be a lot.

Here’s what you need to remember:

1. A referendum is a vote Australia holds to decide whether to change our Constitution.
2. Point one is very cool. Not all countries get to vote on constitutional change. 

S is for Say

As in have yours. It’s cliché but it’s true. A referendum is a chance to decide whether or not to make a change to our Constitution – the rulebook by which Australia is run.

T is for Territories

The votes of Territory electors are counted in the national majority but not the state majority. At federation, the Constitution left out voters in the territories. In 1977, a referendum gave territories' voters the right to take part in future referendums.

U is for Unusual

Referendums don’t happen often in Australia. Our last referendum was in 1999 and there have been only 44 in Australia’s history. Only a few countries in the world go to a referendum to change their Constitution.

V is for Voting

Voting in a referendum is compulsory. It’s also a privilege. Many people across the world still don't have a right to vote. Compulsory voting is even more unusual. 

W is for who/what/where/when/why?

Who: you.

What: a chance to decide whether or not our constitution should be changed.

When: voting day.

Where: your local polling place (like MoAD).

Why: see above and below for the A-Z of referendums, jargon-free.

X is for Section 51 X

If you’re into fishing, Section 51x of the Constitution will float your boat. That said, reading every section of the Constitution isn’t necessary in order to vote in a referendum. It’s enough to know the Constitution is the rulebook that governs the government. 

Y is for You

Referendums are all about you and your vote. It's up to you to educate yourself so your vote is informed because you have the power to determine the content of the Constitution. You really need to take this seriously.

Z is for Gen Z (and millennials)

1. If you’re under 41, you’ve never voted in a referendum.

2. The Constitution is the rulebook for how Australia is governed.