Who has the authority to initiate a referendum in Australia?

Who has the authority to initiate a referendum in Australia?

• A. Parliament.
• B. Governor-General.
• C. The High Court.
• D. The Prime Minister.

Answer: (A)

In Australia, changes to the Constitution are started by Parliament. A bill proposing a constitutional change must be drafted and passed by Parliament, and it’s Parliament that initiates the referendum process. After Parliament passes the bill, the referendum is held to let the people vote on the proposed change (with the double majority rule needed to succeed). The Governor-General has a formal role in giving assent to legislation and calling the referendum, but they do not initiate it on their own. The High Court cannot initiate referendums, and while the Prime Minister can push for a referendum, the formal initiation comes from Parliament through the passage of the proposal.

In Australia, changes to the Constitution are started by Parliament. A bill proposing a constitutional change must be drafted and passed by Parliament, and it’s Parliament that initiates the referendum process. After Parliament passes the bill, the referendum is held to let the people vote on the proposed change (with the double majority rule needed to succeed). The Governor-General has a formal role in giving assent to legislation and calling the referendum, but they do not initiate it on their own. The High Court cannot initiate referendums, and while the Prime Minister can push for a referendum, the formal initiation comes from Parliament through the passage of the proposal.