Information on National Archives records about the conscription referendums, 1916 and 1917.

The National Archives holds records relating to the 1967 Referendum. It saw the highest YES vote ever recorded, in favour of removing content from the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples.

The Australian Constitution sets out the principles and guidelines for how the country is run. It can only be changed with the approval of the Australian people at a referendum.

In a referendum held on 27 May 1967, Australians voted to remove references in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Australian people vote on proposed changes to the constitution at a referendum. 

A writ commanding an electoral officer to hold an election of referendum regarding an alteration to the Constitution.

Notice in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of the results of the 1967 referendum.

This is a draft of the 1967 referendum ballot paper sent by the Chief Electoral Officer to the Divisional Returning Officers of Western Australia.

These records are the ‘Return of the Writ’ from the electorates of Braddon and Bass in Tasmania for the 1967 referendum.

This is a Cabinet minute recording the government’s decision to hold a referendum to give parliament the power to make laws for First Australians.

This record is an action sheet produced by the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), an organisation that managed a nationwide ‘Yes’ campaign for the 1967 referendum.

A speech made by Prime Minister Harold Holt on 28 May 1967, in response to Referendum results.

The Constitution Alteration (Aboriginals) 1967, presented to the Governor-General, R.G. Casey, for his signature.

Tally sheets and instructions to the Divisional Returning Officers instructing them on how to accurately report on the count of ballot papers.

Cards handed to voters on polling day by volunteers and members of the political parties as they arrive at the polling station.

A letter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. It explains that the number of people enlisting is less than a third of the reinforcements needed.

The 1967 referendum – in which over 90% of voters agreed that First Australians deserved equal constitutional rights – remains the most successful referendum in Australian history.

Lobbyists from the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders meet with Harold Holt in February 1967

This is an extract of a letter from Douglas Mawson to Prime Minister Billy Hughes, written in 1916.

This is an anti-conscription leaflet produced in 1916 to promote the refusal of conscription under the William Morris Hughes government.