The federal government rarely holds policy referendums. But research shows they are more common in the states and territories, and voters are more amenable to them than politicians might believe.
Articles on Referendums
Displaying 21 - 40 of 42 articles
Like Brexit in the UK, cannabis reform in New Zealand fell into an age gap — given time, a second referendum would probably succeed.
Around 75,000 New Zealanders have been sentenced for a cannabis-related offence since 1975. With the drug more popular than ever, is it time we let the evidence guide our decisions?
It’s unlikely that a two-month informal national debate will solve France’s crisis of political communication.
Referenda have their place in democracy, but can also be misused.
Why a No Deal option shouldn’t be on the ballot in any second referendum.
The EU urgently needs to improve the link between its citizens and its institutions.
Both Leavers and Remainers are unhappy with the UK’s exit plan – but can their dispute ever be resolved satisfactorily?
Recent elections in Turkey, Hungary and Russia raise a fundamental question about democracy. Can it give autocracy a mandate?
Islanders currently stand as independent candidates, but this special system could be about to disappear.
Many African elections are less than ideal. But is the rest of the world really that much better?
The end of the 8th amendment is on the horizon.
The UN has repeatedly criticised Ireland’s laws. It’s time to change the Constitution.
What is Ireland voting on and why?
If the referendum goes President Pierre Nkrunziza’s way, it will also be a further blow to ordinary Burundians, who live in a state of hardship and adversity.
This vote should be about the morality of letting women suffer.
Winning an independence referendum is the simple bit – It’s no easy trick to assert yourself on the world stage.
Ecuador’s president, Lenin Moreno, has been flirting with conservatives. Beyond irking his base, it has also lead to mass resignations and Twitter battles with his powerful left-wing predecessor.
Bill Shorten said the federal political system seemed ‘out of whack in that everything is so short term’.
After years of creeping authoritarianism, Turkey’s president is now set up to take the reins in earnest.
Top contributors
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Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney
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Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
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Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham
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Professor of Law, University of Waikato
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Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of International Security, Jean Monnet Professor of European Security, National University Odesa Law Academy
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Ingénieure de recherche, Université de Bourgogne, Auteurs historiques The Conversation France
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Lecturer in Philosophy, University of St Andrews
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Lecturer in Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool
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Emeritus Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge
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Professor of World Politics, SOAS, University of London
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Professor of Law and Government, Durham University, Durham University
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Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool
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Assistant Professor in Law, Maynooth University