Why are some British subjects allowed to be on the electoral roll?
There are British subjects living permanently in Australia, who are not Australian citizens, who are eligible to vote in federal elections and referendums. Under section 93(1)(b)(ii) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, British subjects, who were on a Commonwealth Electoral Roll immediately before 26 January 1984, are eligible to enrol and vote at federal elections and referendums. Section 4 of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 also provides that electors who are entitled to vote at an election are entitled to vote at a referendum. Prior to 1984, eligibility to enrol and vote was based on a combination of British subject status and a minimum Australian residence qualification of six months. In 1981, the Parliament passed legislative amendments changing the Commonwealth franchise qualifications. It was the view of all political parties and governments, State and Commonwealth, that Australian citizenship is the appropriate basis for the franchise. Parliaments in all State
