U4AOS2Topic 11: Changing Constitution Process

Key Knowledge Dot Point:

1. The requirement for the approval of the Commonwealth Houses of Parliament and a double majority in a referendum.

Approval of the Commonwealth Houses of Parliament

1. Prior to a change in the words of the Constitution being proposed to the Australian people, a proposed change must be first introduced and passed in the Commonwealth Parliament. In typical circumstances, the bill containing the proposed alteration to the Constitution, must be passed with an absolute majority vote in both houses. However, in some circumstances, if the bill is passed by an absolute majority in one house, the Governor-General can submit the bill to electors for a referendum to occur.

Note for students:

1. IT IS NOT REQUIRED THAT YOU MEMORISE ALL OF THE STEPS OF PASSING A BILL (ONE THAT ALTERS THE CONSTITUTION) BUT RATHER, YOU ONLY NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS WRITTEN ABOVE ^^
2. 
   

The Double Majority Provision:

1. The double majority provision entails that two conditions must be met for a referendum to be successful: first, there must be more than a majority of voters Australia-wide in favour of the proposed change; and second, there must be more than a majority of voters in a majority of the states (four or more states) who vote in favour of the proposed change.
2. The double majority provision has proved itself difficult to achieve and this is evidenced by there only being 8 out of 45 referendums to succeed (as of November, 2025).