Electoral Legislation Amendment (Lowering the Voting Age) Bill 2023
Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 to: lower the minimum voting age in Australian federal elections and referenda from 18 to 16 years; provide for 16 and 17 year olds to be included in the certified list of voters (but not to be given a penalty notice if they do not vote); and provide that an eligible voter, who is not yet on the electoral roll or enrolled at their correct address, is able to cast a provisional vote on election day.
Summary from the official bill homepage.
Progress
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| Senate | |
| 8 Feb 2023 | Introduced and read a first time |
| 8 Feb 2023 | Second reading moved |
| 21 Jul 2025 | Lapsed at end of Parliament |
| 23 Jul 2025 | Restored to Notice Paper |
Official record: bill homepage at aph.gov.au, full text and documents on ParlInfo.