The referendums of 1916-17 During World War One, Australia remained the only country without conscription. Twice the people voted for it and twice it was defeated by narrow margins. The war in Europe put great demands on Australia, both in material and men. The regular quota for reinforcements of 11,790 was not enough to meet the demands of the Western Front.
Australian troops vote during the referendum.
The troops in Europe voted by secret ballot with 72,399 for conscription and 58,894 against. 1,015,159 voted for while 1,181,747 voted against conscription. Among the Armed services it was 103,789 and 93,910 against. No issue has ever divided the Country as did the conscription argument, commonly known as the blood vote. Both sides had valid points which they argued emotionally and debated bitterly.