Yes 2,317,927 Valid votes 4,687,936 | No 2,370,009 | |
 | ||
2,317,927 7001494400000000000♠49.44% 2,370,009 7001505600000000000♠50.56% 4,687,936 7001986000000000000♠98.60% | ||
The 1951 Australian Referendum was held on 22 September 1951 and sought approval for the federal government to ban the Communist Party of Australia. It was not carried.
Contents
Background
In 1951 the Menzies government passed a law banning the Communist Party of Australia. The party challenged the law in the High Court, which ruled that it was constitutionally invalid. Following this defeat, the government sponsored this referendum in an attempt to overcome this constitutional obstacle. The referendum question was opposed, not surprisingly, by the Communist Party. It was also opposed by the Australian Labor Party and even the Young Liberals, on the grounds that it would restrict freedoms of speech and association.
Question
Do you approve of the proposed law for the alteration of the Constitution entitled 'Constitution Alteration (Powers to deal with Communists and Communism) 1951'?
Results
* Armed forces totals are also included in their respective states.
Source: Australian Parliament - Referendum results.