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Political Tracker

7 Sept 2006 · 9:56 AM · Division 1

Local Government in Australia

Referendum
Official title
Motions - Local Government in Australia - Referendum

Noes in the majority

This says only which side won the vote, because what Aye and No meant here depends on the exact question put in the chamber.

Aye
33
No
37
Not recorded voting
6

“Not recorded voting” is everyone eligible who isn't recorded as Aye or No, for example absent, paired, or presiding.

What was decided

The majority voted against an amendment introduced by Labor Senator Kim Carr.

It would have amended a motion introduced by Liberal Senator Chris Ellison by replacing the words:

(a) [That the Senate] recognises that local government is part of the governance of Australia, serving communities through locally-elected councils;

with the words:

(a) [That the Senate] supports a referendum to extend constitutional recognition to local government in recognition of the essential role it plays in the governance of Australia;

Background

There are three tiers of government in Australia: federal, state and local. Currently, the Australian Constitution does not mention local governments. In 1988, a referendum was held to amend the Constitution so that it recognises local governments but it was unsuccessful.

Summary written by They Vote For You contributors. Read it with the debate

Policies this vote counts towards

How They Vote For You uses this vote when scoring members against each policy.

Votes by party

Both bars use the same scale: number of members.
Aye
34
No
38
Votes by party as a table
PartyAyeNo
Liberal Party029
Australian Labor Party250
Australian Democrats40
Australian Greens40
National Party04
Senate President11
Country Liberal Party01
Deputy Senate President01
Family First Party01
Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party01

How each member voted

Aye · 34

No · 38

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