The proposal was put to a referendum on 7 June 2001 but was rejected by 529,478 ( 53.9 % ) against to 453,461 ( 46.1 % ) in favour .
The proposal was put to a referendum on 7 June , 2001 but was rejected . 
 The Twenty - sixth Amendment , 2001 was rejected by 529,478 ( 53.9 % ) against to 453,461 ( 46.1 % ) in favour .