People Power

Why has success been so rare in Australian referendums?


From the failed attempt to ban communism in 1951 to the unsuccessful Voice referendum in 2023, Australians have been cautious about constitutional change, approving only eight out of 45 referendum proposals. In People Power, the only full history of constitutional change in Australia, constitutional experts George Williams and David Hume closely examine our referendum record and explain why success has been so rare. They interview leading proponents for constitutional change and analyse each referendum campaign, the public response and the forces that shaped the outcome. This updated edition includes analysis on the Voice referendum along with discussion about the rise of interest in state and territory referendums, and the national plebiscite on same-sex marriage in 2017. The answer to Australia's successful referendums? Truly engaging the people in the political process.