The New State referendum was held in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia, on 29 April 1967, under the provisions of the "New State Referendum Act 1966". The proposed state's boundaries were based on the findings of the 1935 Nicholas Royal Commission; only voters in this area took part. The vote marked the culmination of a decades-long campaign for a new state in the New England and Northern Rivers districts, but was ultimately defeated.
Key dates.
Writs were issued on 31 March 1967. Polling took place on 29 April and the writ was returned on 29 May.
Prescribed area.
The New State Referendum Act identified a "prescribed area" in which the vote would be held. This included the electoral districts of Armidale, Barwon, Byron, Cessnock, Clarence, Gloucester, Hamilton, Kahibah, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Maitland, Newcastle, Oxley, Raleigh, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Upper Hunter, Wallsend and Waratah. It also included the subdivisions of Gunnedah, Merriwa and Spring Ridge in Burrendong, and Baradine and Coonabarabran in Castlereagh.
The question.
Are you in favour of the establishment of a new state in north-east New South Wales as described in Schedule 1 to the "New State Referendum Act", 1966?
Results.
The 'Yes' case enjoyed strong support across the New England and Northern Rivers districts, but faced overwhelming opposition in metropolitan Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Mid-North Coast.
References.
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