Constitutional change has been relatively rare in the history of the Australia federation since 1901.
Of 44 referendums held to change the Constitution, only 8 have been supported by the electorate. The last was in 1977.
In many respects, significant constitutional change has taken place as a result of High Court decisions.
- Referendum Process – the constitutional procedures that must be followed in order to conduct a referendum to change the Constitution.
- Republic Vs. Monarchy – details of the debate over Australia becoming a Republic, including material on the Constitutional Convention of 1998 and the referendum of 1999.
- 1999 Referendum – Preamble to the Constitution
Archived Posts
- Wyatt Promises Indigenous Recognition Referendum Within Three Years July 10, 2019
- George Williams On Dual Citizenship And Same Sex Marriage Survey August 30, 2017
- Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s New Year Message January 1, 2014
- The State Of The Federation: Ted Mack October 26, 2013
- Abbott: Indigenous Issues Will Be At The Heart Of A Coalition Government In Word And Deed March 15, 2013
- Scullion: A Genuine Sense Of Bipartisanship February 26, 2013
- Act Of Recognition Passes In House Of Representatives February 13, 2013
- Parliamentary Committee Recommends Referendum On Local Government January 24, 2013
- Expert Panel Recommends Constitutional Recognition Of Indigenous Australians January 16, 2012
- John Howard’s Speech On Reconciliation October 11, 2007
- Wayne Swan: Connecting With The Missing Middle – Reforming The Parliament And The ALP January 30, 2002
- Stott Despoja Calls For Constitutional and Political Reforms May 10, 2001
- Bill Of Rights: Australian Democrats Bill October 1, 2000
- Carmen Lawrence: Renewing Democracy – Can Women Make a Difference? August 17, 2000
- The Republican Constitution November 6, 1999
- Proposed Wording For Preamble Referendum September 1, 1999
- Jeff Kennett Proposes New Wording For Preamble Referendum April 14, 1999
- Preamble Referendum: Initial Bill – Explanatory Statement March 25, 1999
- John Howard’s Exposure Draft of Proposed New Preamble March 25, 1999
- A.L.P. Releases A Draft Preamble To The Constitution March 12, 1999
- Vote For A Real Republic! November 16, 1997
- Howard: Response To Keating’s Republic Proposal June 8, 1995
- Keating: An Australian Republic – The Way Forward June 7, 1995
- Gough Whitlam on a Republic and Blocking Supply June 7, 1995
- Queen Elizabeth Signs Australia Act Into Law March 2, 1986
