Year 6 · History · Historical knowledge and understanding
Democracy and the right to vote
Learners trace how voting rights expanded for women and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and correct common myths about the 1967 referendum.
Awaiting educator review. This material was drafted by our content team with AI assistance and is waiting for review by a qualified educator. Please check it suits your child before using it. Created 10 October 2026.
Learning goals
Learners will
- Describe how voting rights in Australia have changed over time.
- Explain what the 1967 referendum changed and what it did not.
Success looks like
- I can name the first Australian colony to give women the right to vote and stand for parliament.
- I can explain the significance of 1962 for First Nations voting rights.
- I can explain what the 1967 referendum changed.
The big idea
In a democracy, citizens elect representatives. But for much of Australia's history, many people were not allowed to vote.
Women campaigned for suffrage for many years. In 1894, South Australia gave women the right to vote and to stand for parliament, a world first for standing. Western Australia gave women the vote in 1899.
The Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902 gave most women the right to vote in federal elections. However, it excluded most Aboriginal people, as well as people from Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands, unless they were already on a state roll.
In 1962, the Commonwealth Electoral Act was changed so that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could enrol to vote in federal elections. Enrolment became compulsory for them, as for other Australians, in 1984. States changed their own laws at different times; Queensland was the last, in 1965.
On 27 May 1967, Australians voted in a referendum. More than 90% voted 'Yes' to change the Constitution so that Aboriginal people would be counted in the national population (census) and the Commonwealth could make laws for Aboriginal people. The campaign was led by First Nations activists and their supporters.
A common myth is that the 1967 referendum gave First Nations people the vote or citizenship. It did not: the federal vote had already been extended in 1962. The referendum is important because it showed overwhelming public support for change.
Worked examples
Busting a myth
A friend says, 'Aboriginal people got the vote in 1967.' Is this correct?
- Check the facts: the federal vote was extended to all First Nations people in 1962.
- The 1967 referendum changed the Constitution about the census and Commonwealth law-making powers.
- So the statement mixes up two different changes.
Answer: Not correct. The federal vote came in 1962; the 1967 referendum changed the Constitution in other ways.
Calculating time
How many years passed between South Australian women gaining the vote (1894) and all First Nations people being able to enrol for federal elections (1962)?
- Subtract: 1962 − 1894 = 68.
Answer: 68 years.
Practice check
Have a go, then check your answers. Each answer comes with an explanation.
Answer guide for parents
Which colony first gave women the right to vote and stand for parliament?
South Australia — South Australia did so in 1894.
What does 'suffrage' mean?
The right to vote — Suffrage means the right to vote.
In what year could all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrol to vote in federal elections?
1962 — The law was changed in 1962.
What did the 1967 referendum change?
It allowed Aboriginal people to be counted in the census and the Commonwealth to make laws for them — The referendum changed two parts of the Constitution.
About what percentage of voters said 'Yes' in 1967?
More than 90% — More than 90% voted Yes, one of the highest results for any Australian referendum.
In what year did South Australian women win the right to vote?
1894 — South Australia passed the law in 1894.
An official count of the population is called a ____.
census — The census counts the population.
How many years after 1962 was the 1967 referendum held?
5 — 1967 − 1962 = 5.
Watch out for
- The 1967 referendum did not give First Nations people the vote or citizenship; this is a very common myth.
- Some think all women got the vote at once. It happened at different times in different colonies and states, and First Nations women were excluded for much longer.
- Learners may think voting rights were simply 'given'. They were won through long campaigns by activists.
Tips for parents
- Highlight the role of First Nations activists in campaigning for the 1967 referendum; community organisations and AIATSIS publish accessible material on this history.
- Connect this to today: talk about enrolling to vote at 18 and compulsory voting in Australia.
- National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) begins on the referendum anniversary and is a good time to study this topic.
Go further
- Make a timeline of voting rights in Australia from 1856 to 1984.
- Research a campaigner such as Faith Bandler, Jessie Street or Catherine Helen Spence and present a short profile.
- Design a 'Vote Yes' poster from the 1967 campaign style, explaining the two changes.