Government & Democracy
The Australian Constitution
The Australian Constitution is the set of rules by which Australia is governed. It came into effect on 1 January 1901 and can only be changed by a referendum in which a majority of voters in a majority of states agree.
Key facts
- ◆ The Constitution took effect on 1 January 1901, the day of Federation.
- ◆ It sets out the powers of the federal Parliament and the states.
- ◆ It can only be changed by a referendum, not by Parliament alone.
- ◆ A referendum needs a "double majority": most voters nationally and in most states.