What happened in the 1967 referendum?
On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them.
When was the last time Australia had a referendum?
The Australian republic referendum held on 6 November 1999 was a two-question referendum to amend the Constitution of Australia….1999 Australian republic referendum.
| Response | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Valid votes | 11,683,811 | 99.14% |
| Invalid or blank votes | 101,189 | 0.86% |
| Total votes | 11,785,000 | 100.00% |
| Registered voters/turnout | 12,392,040 | 95.1% |
What happened in the 1898 Australian referendum?
In 1898 referendums on the Commonwealth Constitution Bill were held in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. A majority of ‘yes’ votes was recorded in each colony but in New South Wales the enabling legislation required a quota of 80 000. Majorities were achieved in all colonies.
Why did Wa not agree to Federation?
There were a number of reasons for Western Australia’s leaders to be uncertain about Federation. The discovery of gold in the early 1890s led to rapid growth in the colony’s population and wealth. Farming, the timber industry and shipping were also strong.
How did the referendum affect Australia?
What was the impact? Many Indigenous people regard the 1967 Referendum as a symbolic turning point, revealing a widespread desire for Indigenous equality in Australia. It enabled the federal government to pass the (Northern Territory) Land Rights Act, which has benefited many Indigenous Australians.
What happened in the 1999 referendum?
To alter the Constitution to establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a republic with the Queen and Governor-General being replaced by a President appointed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Commonwealth Parliament.
When did Western Australia join the Federation?
1901
By the time Western Australia joined the Federation in 1901, its population had soared from under 50,000 to nearly 200,000 in just a decade.
Why was the first referendum not passed?
The first four referendums were held in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria in June 1898. Although all four saw a majority vote in favour, the majority in New South Wales was insufficient. Knowledge of the result in New South Wales led to low voter turnout in South Australia.
When did Western Australia join the federation?
What was the first Australian referendum?
First referendum: 1898 In June 1898 referendums were held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Australia was the first nation to take a proposed constitution to the people for approval. (Switzerland had held a referendum to approve changes to its constitution in 1874).
What was it like in Australia before Federation?
Australia in the late 19th century consisted of six self-governing British colonies that were subject to the British Parliament. Each colony had its own – often quite distinct – laws, railway gauge, postage stamps and tariffs. The colonies of New Zealand and Fiji were also part of Federation discussions.
What was the result of the referendum in Western Australia?
In the years leading up to the Federation of Australia in 1901, all six colonies (as the states then were) passed referendums in favour of Federation. In 1933, voters in Western Australia voted for their state to leave the Commonwealth of Australia with the aim of reverting to the British Empire as an autonomous territory.
Are there any referendums on the Constitution in Australia?
Not all federal referendums have been on constitutional matters (such as the 1916 Australian conscription referendum ), and state votes that likewise do not affect the constitution are frequently said to be referendums (such as the 2009 Western Australian daylight saving referendum ).
Why was Western Australia unsure about the Federation?
There were a number of reasons for Western Australia’s leaders to be uncertain about Federation. The discovery of gold in the early 1890s led to rapid growth in the colony’s population and wealth. Farming, the timber industry and shipping were also strong.
When did the referendum on Federation take place?
In protest, residents of the Eastern Goldfields took steps to form a separate colony. Finally, on 31 July 1900, when the Commonwealth Constitution Bill had already been enacted by the British Parliament, a referendum was held in which a large majority voted in favour of Federation.