Sweeping changes need to be made to the process of informing Australians before a referendum, according to a new report from the House Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. The Committee found the written material provided to all electors before a referendum is insufficient, and that a greater range of communication is needed to properly inform the public. The report makes 17 recommendations, with the key proposal being a Referendum Panel to be established prior to each referendum. The Panel would be independent of government and would be responsible for developing an overarching communications strategy for the referendum; it would identify what material should be provided so that electors can make an informed vote.
The Committee also recommended that:
• The Yes/No Pamphlets be retained but should be sent to every household rather than every elector;
• Parliamentarians continue to authorise the Yes and No arguments;
• A national civics education program be developed to improve knowledge of the Constitution.
• The Machinery of Referendums Act provisions be consolidated and harmonised with the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
