referendums

person casting a ballot at a polling station

From a legal standpoint, there is a difference between a state and a territory, and for some that justifies giving territory voters less say. 

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There has been much debate about the “details” of the Voice to Parliament, but the referendum is on the principle.

Close-up of a hand dropping in a folded piece of voting paper into a ballot box

New research shows policy referendums have been far more frequent at the state and territory level and demonstrates the enduring appeal of giving the public a say on the big issues.

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The destructive effect section 44 of the Constitution has on our political process is painfully evident, but the opportunity for a referendum to solve the problem is being wasted, writes George Williams.  

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The Gillard government's announcement that it won't push ahead with the referendum for constitutional recognition of Indigenous peoples comes as no surprise, writes Andrew Lynch.