A session providing information about the Voice Referendum and how a referendum affects the Constitution will be held on Tuesday 12 September, 2023 from 4:00 to 5.00pm in Studio 1.
No doubt everyone regrets that politics has entered so strongly into the referendum arguments, which has made it often difficult for our members to find unbiased information about the referendum.
After much consideration, your Committee of Management decided to approach retired Victorian Supreme Court judge David Harper AM KC to present a session to help demystify the Constitution and the Referendum process. Whilst Justice Harper is a passionate supporter of the Yes case, this session will not be presenting arguments for either the Yes or No cases. Rather it will aim to answer these questions:
- What is the Constitution and how does it drive Government?
- Why might Changes be required to the Constitution?
- How does a Referendum change the Constitution?
- What is needed for a Referendum to be passed?
- Where does the High Court fit into the picture?
- What was the road to the current Referendum?
To register for this session, enrol online in class 23AAAVR, or fill in an orange form at U3A Reception.
Where can you obtain more information on the Yes and No cases?
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has produced a document containing the Yes and No cases prepared by Federal parliamentarians who voted for and against the proposed law. This will be delivered to all households before the referendum. Meanwhile, you can download this document from the AEC at www.aec.gov.au/referendums/pamphlet.htm The AEC advises that versions in different languages will be made available but are not yet completed.