Voice Referendum
Hook
A national plebiscite costs money. Here's what the 2023 Voice Referendum actually cost the public.
Key Numbers
- Total public expenditure across AEC, departments, and states [AEC post-referendum report]
- Breakdown by agency and contract [AusTender + annual reports]
Context
In 2023 Australia voted on the Voice to Parliament. The result is in the history books. The cost is in the public accounts — split across AEC administration, government and third-party information campaigns, and state-level support. This page is a single-event case study: how a national vote becomes a line item in public expenditure.
It takes no position on the referendum itself. It records what was spent.
Takeaway
Referenda are expensive. Whether they are worth the cost is a political question. Whether the public gets to see the cost is not.
Share Stat
Every dollar the 2023 Voice Referendum cost the public — broken down by agency.
Last reviewed: 11 Apr 2026