The Traditional Owners of this land are those who identify as
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Sovereignty was never ceded.

ANTAR pays respect to Elders past, present, and emerging through our dedicated advocacy for First Nations Peoples’ justice and rights.

ANTAR acknowledges the responsibility of committing to a truth-telling process that promotes an honest and respectful path forward for future generations to build upon.

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Resources What is a Referendum?

What is a Referendum?

Jessica Johnston
Last edited: April 5, 2023

This ANTAR Factsheet outlines what constitutes a referendum – a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote by which the Australian people give their consent to make changes to the Constitution.

Referendums are the only way to change the Australian Constitution, with the understanding that this ‘people power’ can be used – at least in theory – to keep the Constitution up to date with contemporary best practice as well as popular values. As we will see, this appropriate and often elusive balance between stability and flexibility has not been struck for various reasons, not least of which is the colonial history and racist underpinnings of the Australian Constitution itself.