Public hearing on referendums

ON MONDAY the House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs will hold its first public hearing for its inquiry into constitutional reform and referendums.

The Committee will hear from a range of witnesses, including academics, research institutes and the Attorney-General’s Department.

The inquiry is considering ways to improve public awareness about the Australian Constitution, community consultation when amendments are proposed and current arrangements for the conduct of referendums. The Committee is inquiring into the conduct of referendums, rather than specific proposals for constitutional change.

Chair of the Committee, Andrew Wallace MP said, "The last referendum to change the Australian Constitution was held in 1999. This fresh look at the process of constitutional reform in Australia will ensure that the conduct of referendums remain suitable for contemporary Australia.

‘The Committee looks forward to discussion with expert witnesses to hear their ideas on how the conduct of referendums could be modernised."

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage at www.aph.gov.au/constitutionalreform.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 20 September 2021
Time: 9am to 12.45pm (Canberra time)

A full program for the Committee’s hearing is available on the Committee’s website here.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Committee proceedings held in Parliament House are not currently open to the public. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

ENDS