The Constitution is an Act of British Parliament, so when a referendum is successful, does the British Parliament need to be notified?

Front page of Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900.

Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900: Original Public Record Copy (1900).

Parliament House Art Collection, Art Services Parliament House

Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900: Original Public Record Copy (1900).

Front page of Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900.

Parliament House Art Collection, Art Services Parliament House

Description

This image shows the front page of the original public record copy of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900. There is a a red ribbon tied in a bow on the left hand side of the document. The paper looks faded from age.

Hi, thanks for your question.

A referendum is a vote to change the Australian Constitution. In the event of a successful referendum, there is no requirement for the British Parliament to be notified. Australia has passed laws which give it constitutional independence from the British Parliament. This means the Australian Parliament can pass bills – proposed laws – , including successful referendum bills without notifying the British Parliament.

The process for conducting a referendum is contained in Section 128 of the Australian Constitution. It does not include any requirement to notify the British Parliament.