A referendum is held when a government seeks a direct Yes or No answer from the people about an issue. A Queensland referendum is passed when a majority of elector statewide vote in favour of a proposal.

Since separation in 1859, Queenslanders have voted at seven State referendums and have passed only two, the Federation (1899) and Religious Instruction (1910) referendums.

• Federation, 1899
• Religious Instruction, 1910
• Abolition of the Legislative Council, 1917
• Control or Prohibition of Liquor, 1920
• Control or Prohibition of Liquor, 1923
• Extension of Parliamentary terms from three to four years 1991
• Daylight savings referendum 1992.

For more information on the legislation governing referendums, go to the Queensland Government’s website to view a copy of the legislation.

For information on the role of Returning Officers, see our information section on ROs.