Ahead of The Voice referendum on October 14, Greek Australian journalist, author and political commentator George Megalogenis recently spoke to the ABC about what past referenda revealed about our nation.
Megalogenis, who likes to spend his time diving into economic and social statistics believes it is through these information sources that we find real stories.
While the federal election provides some insight into how Australians think their country should be run, it is the occasional referendum that provides a more interesting view into the collective mindset.
From the last referendum in 1999 for the establishment of a republic to the 1944 referendum during World War II, much is always learned about the general public.
Come October 14, Megalogenis believes it’ll be no different, whichever way the vote goes, new things will be learned about Australians.
It is a different proposal to change the Constitution this time around, as it is the first to come from outside the political system, from the Indigenous Australians.
He also delves into this topic in his recent essay for The Monthly. In it he tells us how past referendum might reveal the chances of the Yes position on the Voice to Parliament, and the potential risk it has on the Coalition’s opposition.
Megalogenis suggests that no matter the outcome of October 14, Peter Dutton has lost, especially given the shifts in Liberal and Labor seats since the last referendum. The analyst, journalist and author, delves into statistics and the historical success rate for each party when it comes to a referendum.