Which body must first pass a proposed referendum before reaching the Governor General?

The correct answer is that a proposed referendum must first be passed by Parliament before it reaches the Governor-General. This process is governed by Section 128 of the Australian Constitution, which outlines the procedure for amending the Constitution through a referendum.

According to this section, a proposed change must be passed by an absolute majority in both houses of Parliament (the House of Representatives and the Senate). It is only after this approval that the proposal can be submitted to the electorate in a referendum, which is then forwarded to the Governor-General for proclamation if it receives majority support in the public vote.

Local councils do not have a role in the referendum process concerning constitutional changes, as they operate at a local government level and do not influence federal constitutional matters. While the House of Representatives and the Senate are both necessary components of Parliament, it is essential to know that the term "Parliament" encompasses both houses working together. Therefore, understanding that the entire Parliament must act as a unified body before a referendum proposal can advance is critical in grasping the legislative process regarding constitutional amendments.