The Constitution Alteration (Interchange of Powers) Bill 1984, (Cth). was an unsuccessful proposal to alter the Australian Constitution so that the states and the federal government could freely interchange powers at will. It was put to voters for approval in a referendum held on 1 December 1984.
Question An Act to enable the Commonwealth and the States voluntarily to refer powers to each other.
Do you approve this proposed alteration?
Results + Result State Electoral roll Ballots issued For Against Informal Vote % Vote % New South Wales 3,423,624 3,216,256 1,475,97149.04 1,533,799 206,486 Victoria 2,617,291 2,475,891 1,139,56549.86 1,146,136 190,190 Queensland 1,549,749 1,447,284 578,67441.69 809,249 59,361 South Australia 908,424 856,226 355,588 45.94 418,433 82,205 Western Australia 858,763 806,637 336,184 44.28 423,022 47,431 Tasmania 289,142 277,100 87,93334.65 165,878 23,289 Australian Capital Territory 150,416 140,982 74,741 56.10 58,487 43.90 7,754 Northern Territory 68,857 58,668 25,684 47.78 28,066 52.22 4,918 Total for Commonwealth 9,866,266 9,279,044 4,074,34047.06 4,583,070 621,634 Results Obtained a majority in no state and an overall minority of 508,730 votes. Not carried
See also 1984 Australian referendum Referendums in Australia Politics of Australia History of Australia
References