Legal experts to review referendum process
Constitutional law experts and the election watchdog will be giving their advice about how the referendum process can be modernised before Australians head to the polls on an Indigenous voice to parliament.
The Adelaide City Council say if compulsory voting is introduced, voter participation could increase and in-person voting could be introduced for council elections. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily
A parliamentary committee is reviewing proposed changes to Australian referendum law to ensure it is brought into the 21st century.
Existing law was last used for the 1999 republic referendum and the parliament is reviewing it, given the updates to electoral processes, communication methods and technology since then.
Representatives from the Australian Electoral Commission as well as a panel of legal, electoral and constitutional experts will appear before the committee on Monday.
Committee chair Kate Thwaites said experts would advise how proposed changes will modernise how referendums are held in Australia.
“While I know many are interested in highlighting views on issues like the referendum question, amendments to the Constitution or the merits of the voice to parliament, it’s important to note that this inquiry will not be examining these matters,” she said.
The committee will instead focus on the proposed changes to referendum processes.
The Albanese government has pledged to hold a referendum on the voice to parliament in its first term and a vote is expected to take place in the next financial year.
-AAP
