- Moderator
- #326
Roylion a couple of questions.
1. can these sort of questions be put to a plebiscite.
Yes.
In Australia a plebiscite is a vote by citizens on a matter of national significance, but one which does not affect the Constitution. Moreover, plebiscites are normally advisory, and do not compel a government to act on the outcome. Only the Australian parliament can authorise the holding of a plebiscite.
Before a national plebiscite can take place, an enabling bill proposing the plebiscite and setting out its purpose must be passed by parliament. The bill thereby becomes an Act enabling a vote to be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission. The enabling legislation may or may not specify any actions expected of the government as a result of the plebiscite. In the case of a carbon tax plebiscite that simply asked whether electors are in favour of a carbon tax or not, the government could ignore the plebiscite result and pursue its own preferred outcome through the Parliament.
1. would you favor australia becoming a republic? 2. which of these models would you favor a) ? b) ? c) ?.
There have been three national plebiscites in Australia:
- 1916: military service conscription (defeated) Yes / No question
- 1917: reinforcement of the Australian Imperial Force overseas (defeated) Yes / No Question
- 1977: choice of Australia’s national anthem ('Advance Australia Fair' preferred from four options including God Save the Queen, Song of Australia and Waltzing Matilda.) So choice of a range of options.
then once they were voted on a binding referendum question could be put to the people? i am assuming that plebiscites are just an advisory tool for politicians, is that correct?
Yep. Pretty much.