Australian referendum, 1988 (Local Government)

The Australian Constitution recognises Government at Federal and State levels, but makes no mention of local government. Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 1988 proposed to alter the constitution so as to recognise local government. The proposal was put to a referendum in the Australian referendum, 1988.

Results

A Proposed Law: To alter the Constitution to recognise local government.

Do you approve this proposed alteration?

Result

State	On rolls	Ballots issued	For		Against		Informal
				%		%
New South Wales	3,564,856	3,297,246	1,033,364	%31.70	2,226,529	%68.30	37,353
Victoria	2,697,096	2,491,183	882,020	%36.06	1,563,957	%63.94	45,206
Queensland	1,693,247	1,542,293	586,942	%38.31	945,333	%61.69	10,018
South Australia	937,974	873,511	256,421	%29.85	602,499	%70.15	14,591
Western Australia	926,636	845,209	247,830	%29.76	584,863	%70.24	12,516
Tasmania	302,324	282,785	76,707	%27.50	202,214	%72.50	3,864
Australian Capital Territory	166,131	149,128	58,755	%39.78	88,945	%60.22	1,428
Northern Territory	74,695	56,370	21,449	%38.80	33,826	%61.20	1,095
Total for Commonwealth	10,362,959	9,537,725	3,163,488	%33.61	6,248,166	%66.39	126,071
Obtained majority in no State and an overall minority of 3 084 678 votes.
Not carried

Discussion

The "no" campaign in 1988 argued that this change would undermine States' rights, i.e. that it would move - or make it possible to move - some power from State Governments to Local Governments.

There is a proposal to hold a further referendum in 2011 on inclusion of Local Government in the Constitution of Australia.