1977 Australian referendum

The 1977 Australian referendum was held on 21 May 1977. It contained four referendum questions and one non-binding plebiscite. To date, it is the most recent referendum to have been successful in Australia.

Result [1]
Question NSW Vic Qld SA WA Tas States in favour Voters in favour Result
(33) Simultaneous Elections Yes Yes No Yes No No 3:3 62.2% Not carried
(34) Senate Casual Vacancies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 6:0 73.3% Carried
(35) Referendums Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 6:0 77.7% Carried
(36) Retirement of Judges Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 6:0 80.1% Carried

This referendum had a particularly strong "Yes" vote. All but one of the referendum questions were carried, and the only one not carried had a clear national majority, but was held back by not achieving a majority of the states. No referendum since then has been successful.[a][1]

Plebiscite [1]
  NSW Vic Qld SA WA Tas ACT NT Total voters
National Song (Song with most votes) Advance Australia Fair Advance Australia Fair Advance Australia Fair Song of Australia Advance Australia Fair Advance Australia Fair Waltzing Matilda Advance Australia Fair Advance Australia Fair

The four referendum questions were only voted on in the states; voters in the territories only gained the right to vote on constitutional changes as a result of the Referendums amendment passing. Voters in the territories, however, were able to vote on the plebiscite.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference Handbook was invoked but never defined (see the help page).


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