There was much uncertainty as to the interpretation of this clause and many Aboriginal people were removed from the SA electoral roll in the 1920s and 30s. It was not until 1949 that Aboriginal people were given the right to enrol and vote in Commonwealth elections, if they were entitled to a State vote or had completed military service. This was not publicised widely and very few Aboriginal people exercised this right. However, voting did not become compulsory for Aboriginal people across Australia until 1983. Commissioners are elected by regional councillors who are in turn elected by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on a regional basis.
Voting is voluntary.
In 1998, Aden Ridgeway was elected as an Australian Democrats Senator for NSW and will take his position in July 1999. Until adult suffrage was introduced in the States, giving the vote to all white men and women over 21, the upper houses of parliament were elected on the basis of a property franchise. This meant that only property owners were allowed to vote. The Queensland Legislative Council was abolished in 1922.