The 1999 referendum to insert a Preamble into the Constitution was held in conjunction with the referendum on a republic.
The Preamble was overwhelmingly defeated. It received a national YES vote of just 39.34% and was defeated in every state and territory. The lowest YES vote was 32.81% in Queensland. The highest YES vote was 43.61% in the Australian Capital Territory.
Australian Electoral Commission Documents (PDF)
- Explanatory Letter
- Explanatory Document
- The official YES case
- The official NO case
- Ballot Papers
- Postal Vote Application
The Preamble
- Text of the Preamble for the November 6, 1999 Referendum
- Howard’s Original Draft Preamble
- Jeff Kennett’s Preamble
Archived Posts
- Nov 03, 1999: Preamble Referendum: Howard-Ridgeway Urge A YES Vote
- Sep 01, 1999: Proposed Wording For Preamble Referendum
- Apr 14, 1999: Jeff Kennett Proposes New Wording For Preamble Referendum
- Mar 25, 1999: Preamble Referendum: Initial Bill – Explanatory Statement
- Mar 25, 1999: John Howard’s Exposure Draft of Proposed New Preamble
- Mar 12, 1999: A.L.P. Releases A Draft Preamble To The Constitution
