Notes on Conscription

During the debate over conscription in Australia, the Prime Minister, Billy Hughes, emerged as a fervent advocate. Hughes believed it was the duty of all Australian men to fight for their country during World War I. He viewed the war as a struggle for democracy and freedom and a necessary effort to defeat the Germans.

Recognizing the strong opposition to conscription among the population, Hughes decided it would be fair to hold a referendum on the issue. He believed that allowing the people to vote would be a more democratic approach.

"To falter now is to make the great sacrifice of lives to no avail, to enable the enemy to recover himself, and, if not to defeat us, to prolong the struggle indefinitely, and thus rob the world of all hope of a lasting peace … Our national existence, our liberties, are at stake. There rests upon every man an obligation to do his duty in the spirit that befits free men."
- Speech from Billy Hughes to Parliament House on 30th August 1916, before the first referendum.

Many other politicians and members of the public shared Hughes' views on conscription. Supporters believed that conscription would unite Australians in their efforts to defeat Germany, aligning with the British, who were also advocating for Australian troops to join the war.

Despite these efforts, the first referendum, held on October 28, 1916, was unsuccessful for conscription advocates.

A second referendum was hosted just a year and two months later, but was also rejected

Although being described as referendums, they were both actually plebicites and had no real power to pass a bil. The plebicite was created because Billy Hughes needed proof that the country was pro-conscription at the time in order to have the bill passed through the upper houses, which had a large majority of anti-conscription advocates.