Advisory Referendums (also called Plebiscites)
An issue put before the electorate which does not effect the Constitution is called an advisory referendum or a plebiscite. Governments can hold advisory referendums to test whether people either support or oppose a proposed action on an issue. The Government is not bound by the "result" of an advisory referendum as it is by the result of a Constitutional referendum. Australian Governments, Federal, State and Territory, have held advisory referendums on various issues:
Military service plebiscites were held in 1916 and 1917 but, as they were not proposals to amend the Constitution, the provisions of section 128 of the Constitution did not apply. Electors in all federal Territories were permitted to vote. Both the military service plebiscites sought a mandate for conscription and were defeated.
| Name | Issue of writ | Polling day | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military Service | 18 September 1916 | 28 October 1916 | Not Carried |
| Military Service | 10 November 1917 | 20 December 1917 | Not Carried |
ACT electors voted "no" to Self Government for the ACT in a referendum held in 1978; nevertheless the Federal Parliament legislated for ACT Self Government in 1988.
ACT electors voted in favour of a proportional representation (Hare-Clark) electoral system for Legislative Assembly elections in a referendum held in 1992. The ACT government decided to introduce the Hare-Clark system.
Citizens of Western Australia and Queensland have, at various times, voted in previous referendums on the issue of Daylight Saving; on each occasion voters rejected daylight saving and the Governments decided against its introduction.
Western Australia has since decided to trial Daylight Saving for a period of 3 years from 3 December 2006.
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