Am I an Informed Voter?

Wanted: Australians to join a fantastical constitutional treasure hunt!

Our iconic characters Kanga, the Kangaroo, and Emmy, the Emu have escaped from the Australian Coat of Arms to seek out answers to burning questions about referendum processes, the Australian Constitution, and the system of government.

What the heck is a referendum?

This really is a great time for Australians to think and learn about our Constitution. It’s hard to miss that the media and news is focused daily on the referendum to be held later this year. Yet we know that many people are unsure about referendum processes and don’t know where to turn to get accurate and understandable information. Perhaps you have family and friends feeling a little confused around what a referendum is all about. Or they might simply want accurate answers to one aspect of the referendum picture such as whether voting is compulsory.

How important is a referendum to Australian democracy?

You might have been wondering why there is so much chatter about referendums?  Well, constitutional referendums are important to each and every Australian. And because we are having one later this year, it is a really important time to sit down and discuss why we all need the facts on how referendums work before we vote yes or no.

Referendum double majority voting and what is a plebiscite?

Join Kanga and Emmy and discover referendum questions that Australians are asking and that need answers! In the lead up to referendum 2023 Australians are struggling to understand what is a Double Majority constitutional voting referendum requirement if it is to be passed? What is the difference between a referendum and a plebiscite?

Introducing the three key institutions of government and the separation of powers

On their next adventure, Kanga and Emmy find themselves at an Australian soccer game. What are the three key institutions of government and the separation of powers? Many Australians tell us they don’t know we have an Australian Constitution, let alone the roles and powers for the Parliament, the Executive and the Courts. To become an informed voter, Referendum 2023, join with Kanga and Emmy and find out how the Australian Constitution ensures no one person or institution of government gets too much power.

Constitution powers of the parliament, the Executive, and the Judicature

It is important to remember that we, the people, have a very important role in how our government is run. Under our system of representative and responsible government, it is ultimately the people that the government are accountable to in accordance with the Constitution and the law. That puts a civic responsibility on each and every one of us to understand the roles and powers of the institutions and people in them who make up the Commonwealth Government.

The right, opportunity, and responsibility to vote in a referendum

It is Australian citizens’ democratic constitutional right, opportunity, and responsibility to vote in a referendum. Our Constitution impliedly protects a ‘universal franchise’ that was hard fought for, over many decades, particularly the right to vote for women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is compulsory for all eligible Australians to vote in referendums and federal elections. In this episode, Kanga and Emmy explore compulsory voting

Kanga and Emmy explore compulsory voting and the secret ballot.

It is Australian citizens’ democratic constitutional right, opportunity, and responsibility to vote in a referendum. Our Constitution impliedly protects a ‘universal franchise’ that was hard fought for, over many decades, particularly the right to vote for women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is compulsory for all eligible Australians to vote in referendums and federal elections. In episodes 7 and 8, Kanga and Emmy explore compulsory voting and the secret ballot (a world first Aussie invention).

Celebrating the five Australian constitutional treasures

CEFA is excited that Kanga & Emmy have completed their Australia-wide constitutional treasure hunt. Our iconic national treasures can safely return to their home, the Australian Coat of Arms. They have become national constitutional referendum 2023 heroes and stars. Symbolically, the Australian Coat of Arms represents the representative and responsible Australian system of government, serving the Australian people, and always striving to move the nation forward. Watch Episode 9 and join the celebrations as informed voters unite behind five referendum constitutional treasures.