The 1967 referendum

In a referendum held on 27 May 1967, Australians voted to remove references in the Australian Constitution discriminating against First Australians.

In a referendum held on 27 May 1967, Australians voted to remove references in the Australian Constitution discriminating against First Australians.

The changes to the Constitution included the repeal of 2 sections, Section 51 (xxvi) and Section 127. This enabled the Australian Parliament to:

  • make special laws for First Australians
  • include First Australians in the national census.

For more records relating to the 1967 referendum, visit referendums and changing Australia's constitution.

You can learn more about the history of the Australian Constitution on a virtual tour of our exhibition Voices / Dhuniai: Federation, democracy and the Constitution.

Curriculum areas

  • Year 10 History
  • Year 11 History
  • Year 12 History
  • Year 6 History
  • Year 7 Civics and Citizenship

Questions

  • What motivated the Australian community to campaign for constitutional change? 
  • Prior to the 1967 referendum, what attempts had been made to raise awareness of issues affecting First Australians? 
  • What changes were made to the Constitution as a result of the referendum? What was the impact of this?

Records

Resources