What happened in the 1898 referendum?
What happened in the 1898 referendum?
In 1898 referendums on the Commonwealth Constitution Bill were held in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. A majority of ‘yes’ votes was recorded in each colony but in New South Wales the enabling legislation required a quota of 80 000. This was not achieved.
Why did the first referendum fail in Australia?
The first four referendums were held in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria in June 1898. Although all four saw a majority vote in favour, the majority in New South Wales was insufficient. Knowledge of the result in New South Wales led to low voter turnout in South Australia.
Which colony was missing from the voting process Australia?
While a majority of voters in each colony voted ‘yes’, the referendum in New South Wales did not attract the 80 000 votes set by the New South Wales colonial parliament as the minimum needed for it to agree to Federation. Queensland and Western Australia did not hold referendums.
Was the 1999 referendum successful?
The two proposed constitutional changes put to Australian electors at the 1999 referendum were not approved by a ‘double majority’ of electors. Therefore the proposals for constitutional change were not carried.
What were the results of the 1999 referendum?
Analysis of results There was no majority for “Yes” in any state, where the “Yes” vote for the republic ranged from 37.44% in Queensland to 49.84% in Victoria, and for the preamble ranged from 32.81% in Queensland to 42.46% in Victoria. Overall, 54.87% voted “No” to the republic, and 60.66% to the preamble.
Why did New Zealand not join the Federation?
New Zealanders just weren’t interested in uniting with Australia. The NZ Ministry of Culture and Heritage write: The prevailing view was that New Zealanders were of superior stock to their counterparts across the Tasman.
Why did Wa not want to federate?
There were a number of reasons for Western Australia’s leaders to be uncertain about Federation. The discovery of gold in the early 1890s led to rapid growth in the colony’s population and wealth. Farming, the timber industry and shipping were also strong.
Who was allowed to vote in the 1898 referendum?
In 1898, the people of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania voted on whether to accept the draft Constitution decided by the 1897–98 Convention.