The Constitution Alteration (Terms of Senators) Bill 1984, (Cth). was the third unsuccessful proposal to alter the Australian Constitution to require that Senate of Australia and House of Representatives elections be constitutionally enforced to occur on the same day. It was put to voters for approval in a referendum held on 1 December 1984.
This was the first referendum in which the electors in the territories were counted towards the national total (but not counted toward any state total) following the 1977 Australian referendum (Referendums) which enabled this.
Background
A proposal for simultaneous elections had been unsuccessful at the referendum in 1974 and substantially the same proposal was again unsuccessful at the referendum in 1977. One of the criticisms of these proposals was that despite the title, the proposal did not require simultaneous elections and the real change which was so that the terms of Senators would be two terms of the House of Representatives. This proposal was similar, however, it was expressly named in relation to the terms of senators.
Yes case
The yes case was that there were too many elections and the proposal would decrease the number of elections.
No case
The no case was that the proposal was unnecessary. If the government wanted fewer elections, the House of Representatives could run its full term and the elections would be held at the same time. The proposal was an attempt to undermine the independence of the senate.
Results An Act to change the terms of senators so that they are no longer of fixed duration and to provide that Senate elections and House of Representatives elections are always held on the same day.
Do you approve this proposed alteration?
+ Result State Electoral roll Ballots issued For Against Informal Vote % Vote % New South Wales 3,423,624 3,216,256 1,621,894 1,446,150 47.14 148,212 Victoria 2,617,291 2,475,891 1,244,451 1,094,760 46.80 136,680 Queensland 1,549,749 1,447,284 642,76845.65 765,329 39,187 South Australia 908,424 856,226 398,127 49.98 398,463 59,636 Western Australia 858,763 806,637 358,502 46.47 412,996 35,139 Tasmania 289,142 277,100 102,76239.29 158,777 15,561 Australian Capital Territory 150,416 140,982 76,901 56.68 58,764 43.32 5,317 Northern Territory 68,857 58,668 28,310 51.87 26,265 48.13 4,093 Total for Commonwealth 9,866,266 9,279,044 4,473,715 4,361,504 49.36 443,825 Results Obtained a majority in two states and an overall majority of 112,211 votes. Not carried
Discussion This was the third unsuccessful referendum that sought to require simultaneous elections of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
1974 Australian Referendum (Simultaneous Elections) 1977 Australian Referendum (Simultaneous Elections) 1988 Australian Referendum (Parliamentary Terms)
See also 1984 Australian referendum Referendums in Australia Politics of Australia History of Australia
References