Constitutional Reform
Before 1967, Section 127 stated that...
Aboriginal peoples could not be counted in any population
Between 2012 and 2022, Australian concern about climate change rose from 36% to 60%, leading to the 2023 Safeguard Mechanism Act and showing this reason for reform.
Societal values
The 2023 referendum wanted to create an advisory body for First Nations peoples called this.
The Voice (to parliament)
Royal Commissions possess these special powers that allow them to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath with penalties for non-compliance.
Coercive powers
What is a strength of traditional media?
- Means to investigate controversial issues
- Accessible to all generations
- Government may fear negative representations
A referendum needs a majority nationally plus a majority in this many states.
4
What is the case example for advances in technology?
COVID-19 - Digital executing of documents
Which referendum had the highest percentage of yes votes ever?
1967 (First Nations Referendum)
The VLRC can initiate investigations into these types of issues without receiving terms of reference from the Attorney-General.
Minor community legal issues (or community law reform projects)
In 2020, this former PM's petition with 500,000 signatures led to an inquiry into media ownership.
Kevin Rudd
This section of the Constitution explains how to change the Constitution.
Section 128
JobKeeper payments during COVID-19 show this reason for reform related to the economy.
Changes in economy
Name one reason why the 2023 referendum failed
- Lack of bipartisan support
- Complexity of language
This old common law principle prevents an Auslan interpreter from being present in the jury room during deliberations
'13th person rule'
In 1856, Victorian stonemasons used this method to demand an 8-hour working day, eventually leading to the 40-hour week.
What is the case example for global events + responding to the High Court
Communist party ban
Banning vaping products and protecting emergency workers show this reason for reform.
Protection of society
The 2023 referendum wanted to add what new section to the Constitution.
Section 129
As of August 2026, the 53 recommendations from the Inclusive Juries inquiry have this implementation status.
Not implemented
This principle lets parliament overturn court decisions, limiting how much courts can influence law reform.
Parliamentary supremacy
The 1988 referendum trying to expand trial by jury and freedom of religion shows this reason.
Expanding constitutional protection
What is the 'bonus reason' for law reform?
International pressures/obligations - raising the age
The 1977 referendum establishing a retirement age of 70 for federal judges shows this reason for constitutional reform.
To create better political/legal processes
Royal Commissions are established by these formal documents.
Letters Patent
The campaign to raise the age of criminal responsibility used the hashtag ....
#RaiseTheAge