Second public hearing on referendums

THE House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs will on Thursday hold the second public hearing for its inquiry into constitutional reform and referendums.

The Committee will hear from the Department of Finance and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment to discuss the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984, and education and public awareness of the Constitution.

Chair of the committee, Andrew Wallace MP, said, "Hearing from the Department of Finance will be a good opportunity to discuss whether amendments to the Referendum Act are needed to ensure that the processes for contemporary referendums remain fit for purpose.

"The committee is also looking forward to learning more from the Department of Education about civics education in schools and the broader population, and whether there is more that can be done to inform and motivate people about Australia’s Constitution. Engaging students and the wider public in constitutional matters is important to ensure that all Australians can cast an informed vote during a referendum."

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and a full program for the committee’s hearing, is available on the inquiry webpage at www.aph.gov.au/constitutionalreform.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 7 October 2021
Time: 1pm to 2pm (AEDT)

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.

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