It turns out that handing over taxpayer dollars to billionaire owners tends to be far less popular among regular citizens than among well-connected government officials.
Governor-general designate Sam Mostyn would become the latest punching bag in the culture wars. But how will her Governor-Generalship compare to others past?
Leo Varadkar reacts to the news that his government has lost both referendums.
Alamy/Damien Storan
Endorsements from celebrities and businesses can be the kiss of death in a referendum campaign – as can failing to negotiate a cross-party consensus.
The resounding ‘yes’ vote in a referendum on halting oil extraction in the Yasuní, an area of vital ecological importance, is a huge victory for Ecuador.
(AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
The decision of the people of Ecuador to halt oil extraction in the Yasuní is a trend-setting precedent of global importance and a victory that Canadians should build upon.
It is notoriously difficult for referendums to succeed in Australia – but there are lessons from those that have gone before about how to improve their chances.
History shows the “yes” vote tends to drop off as referendum day nears, and the government will need to maintain its strong polling lead for the vote to succeed.
Scottish independence has its supporters – as did that of Slovakia.
Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images
Despite hopes of a second referendum on independence being dashed, many Scottish nationalists look to Slovakia as an example of how a small nation can stand on its own.
The Yes/No case has long been flawed and the government is right to dispense with it. But it will need to replace it with something else to counter misinformation – and do so with great care.
The Kremlin claims 97% of votes counted are for the four occupied regions to join the Russian Federation.
The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to a push for citizens initiatives to enshrine abortion rights.
Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images
Referenda may well have a place in the country’s democracy, but if the form of an electoral system can be referred to a referendum, why not capital punishment, abortion or LGBT rights?
Of 44 referendums put to the Australian people since federation, only eight have passed – but those championing a First Nations Voice to Parliament need not be deterred.
The federal government rarely holds policy referendums. But research shows they are more common in the states and territories, and voters are more amenable to them than politicians might believe.
A pro-reform billboard in Hamilton leading up to the October election and referendum.
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Around 75,000 New Zealanders have been sentenced for a cannabis-related offence since 1975. With the drug more popular than ever, is it time we let the evidence guide our decisions?