Who decides the question for a referendum?

Thank you for your question, Jeff! 

The Australian Parliament decides on the question that will be put to Australian voters in a referendum.

The question starts as a bill that is introduced by a member of parliament. If the bill is agreed to by an absolute majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the proposal must be presented to Australian voters in a referendum. The wording of the question that will appear on the referendum ballot paper comes from the long title of the bill that parliament has approved.

 

Steps to change the Constitution.

How to change the Australian Constitution

Parliamentary Education Office (PEO.GOV.AU)

How to change the Australian Constitution

Steps to change the Constitution.

Parliamentary Education Office (PEO.GOV.AU)

Description

The steps that need to be taken before the Australian Constitution can be changed:

1. Bill passed

  • A bill is introduced into Parliament and PASSED by an absolute majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

2. The factors

  • Members of parliament who support the proposed change prepare the 'YES' case and members of parliament who don't support it prepare the 'NO' case.

3. AEC

  • The Australian Electoral Commission produces and sends out a pamphlet explaining both the 'YES' and the 'NO' cases.

4. Referendum

  • Australians vote 'YES' or 'NO'.

5. Double Majority

  • A majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in 4 or more states vote 'YES'

6. Bill signed

  • The Governor-General signs the bill and the Constitution is changed.

 

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