The Voice outcome, predictable from the start, shows the hurdle for Australia’s referenda

Referenda proposals are often doomed propositions in the Australian electoral landscape. Prior to the October 14 referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, 44 referenda had been conducted, with only eight meeting the double majority requirement (a majority of votes with a majority of states).

With Australians voting down the proposition by a margin just over 60%, the number of successes remains unchanged.

The crucial mechanism is outlined in section 128 of the Australian constitution, stating that “if in a majority of the States a majority of the electors voting approve the proposed law, and if a majority of all the electors voting also approve the proposed law, it shall be presented to the Governor-General for the Queen’s assent.