What is a referendum and how does it work?

Australian Commonwealth celebrations

The inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth. When the Constitution of Australia came into force, on 1st January 1901, the colonies collectively became states of the Commonwealth of Australia. Celebrations included Sydney post-office illuminated with the lettering 'Welcome to Our Governor General, God Save the Queen'. Drawing by C H Hunt reproduced in The Illustrated London News, 16th February 1901 page 225 1901 Source: AAP / Illustrated London News Ltd/Mar/MARY EVANS

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the wording for the promised referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. It will be Australia's first referendum since 1999 - and the first one anyone younger than 42 will have voted in.


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