OUR ROLE

The National Referendum System exists to:

  • Modernise referendum processes and public engagement

  • Provide secure digital pathways for information and participation

  • Integrate referendum services with myGov for accessibility

  • Support public submissions, education, and consultation

  • Strengthen transparency and trust in democratic processes

  • Coordinate with AEC, government agencies, and constitutional bodies

  • Provide data and insights to guide future referendum directions

The system ensures referendums are fair, modern, and accessible to all Australians.

OUR STRENGTHS

Democratic & Digital Strengths

  • National digital identity integration via myGov

  • Strong public trust in AEC processes

  • Established constitutional frameworks

  • Ability to scale public engagement nationally

  • Clear, transparent referendum rules and procedures

Sovereign Strengths

  • Independent electoral oversight

  • National infrastructure for democratic participation

  • Critical role in constitutional change

OUR WEAKNESSES

Structural Weaknesses

  • Outdated public education and engagement tools

  • Limited digital pathways for consultation

  • Fragmented information across agencies

  • Slow referendum preparation cycles

  • Limited real‑time data on public sentiment

Operational Weaknesses

  • Low public understanding of referendum processes

  • Accessibility gaps for remote and vulnerable communities

  • Limited multilingual and culturally tailored resources

  • Workforce pressures during referendum periods

OUR THREATS

External Threats

  • Misinformation and disinformation campaigns

  • Cybersecurity risks targeting democratic processes

  • Declining public trust in institutions

  • Digital exclusion affecting participation

Internal Threats

  • Resource constraints

  • Outdated digital infrastructure

  • Workforce fatigue during referendum cycles

  • Limited surge capacity for national engagement

OUR OPPORTUNITIES

Strategic Opportunities

  • Build a unified digital referendum platform

  • Expand public education and civic literacy

  • Strengthen transparency and trust through open data

  • Improve accessibility for remote, regional, and diverse communities

  • Use public input to shape future referendum topics and processes

Operational Opportunities

  • Integrate referendum notifications and services into myGov

  • Develop digital submission and consultation tools

  • Strengthen partnerships with AEC, academia, and civil society

  • Improve real‑time analytics and public sentiment tracking

BETTER INTEGRATION WITH GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY

One national referendum ecosystem

Key Actions

  • Integrated AEC–myGov–government platforms

  • Stronger partnerships with community organisations

  • National civic engagement programs

  • Shared data and analytics systems

Outcome: A more coordinated, community‑connected referendum network.

 

5. A MORE INFORMED, ENGAGED AUSTRALIA

Strengthening public trust and participation

Key Actions

  • Public education on constitutional change

  • Digital tools for public submissions and feedback

  • Transparent reporting and open data

  • Community‑led engagement initiatives

Outcome: A more informed, confident, and engaged electorate.

 

THE FUTURE‑READY REFERENDUM SYSTEM

A national blueprint for modern, trusted, accessible democratic participation

 

1. FASTER, MORE ACCESSIBLE REFERENDUM PROCESSES

Strengthening national democratic capability

Key Actions

  • myGov‑linked referendum services

  • Digital enrolment and information pathways

  • Faster public consultation processes

  • Improved accessibility and multilingual support

Outcome: A more agile, inclusive referendum system.

 

2. STRONGER SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC CAPABILITY

Building Australian capability for constitutional participation

Key Actions

  • National referendum data platform

  • Strengthened oversight and governance

  • Expanded public education programs

  • Enhanced transparency and reporting

Outcome: A more resilient, trusted democratic framework.

 

3. A MODERN, RESILIENT REFERENDUM WORKFORCE

Supporting the people who deliver democratic processes

Key Actions

  • Specialist training for referendum operations

  • Workforce wellbeing and surge capacity programs

  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives

  • Modern digital tools and systems

Outcome: A strong, supported referendum workforce.

CONDENSED YEARLY COSTING MODEL — NATIONAL REFERENDUM SYSTEM

Baseline + Uplift Investment Framework

 

BASELINE FUNDING (Already Provided)

  • Core democratic engagement & referendum operations: $0.12B

  • AEC support & constitutional advisory functions: $0.05B

  • Digital infrastructure & public education: $0.03B

Total Baseline Funding:

$0.20B per year

 

PHASE 1 — FOUNDATION (Years 1–2)

Annual uplift: $0.25B – $0.35B 2‑year uplift total: $0.50B – $0.70B

 

PHASE 2 — ACCELERATION (Years 2–4)

Annual uplift: $0.35B – $0.50B 3‑year uplift total: $1.05B – $1.50B

 

PHASE 3 — EXPANSION (Years 4–6)

Annual uplift: $0.45B – $0.60B 2‑year uplift total: $0.90B – $1.20B

 

PHASE 4 — FUTURE‑READY (Years 6–10)

Annual uplift: $0.60B – $0.80B 4‑year uplift total: $2.40B – $3.20B

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT SUMMARY

6‑YEAR TOTAL

  • Uplift: $2.45B – $3.40B

  • Baseline: $1.20B

Total 6‑Year Investment:

$3.65B – $4.60B

10‑YEAR TOTAL

  • Uplift: $4.85B – $6.60B

  • Baseline: $2.00B

Total 10‑Year Investment:

$6.85B – $8.60B