Australia's 1967 Referendum
Old Parliament House, Canberra, Australia (representative pin; the vote was nationwide)
What happened
On 27 May 1967, Australians voted on changing two parts of the Constitution that left out Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The changes let the national Parliament make laws for First Nations people and count them in the official population. About 91 percent of voters said Yes (90.77 percent), and every state agreed.
Why it matters
It followed years of work by First Nations activists and their supporters. It became a powerful symbol of recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as equal citizens.
What came next
The Constitution was formally changed on 10 August 1967. Campaigners kept working for land rights and equal treatment.
Did you know?
Many people think this vote gave Aboriginal people the right to vote, but Aboriginal people could already enrol to vote in national elections from 1962.
Timeline
- 27 May 1967Australians vote Yes to change the Constitution.
- 10 August 1967The Constitution is formally changed.