In late 2017, Australians were asked to reflect on significant historical events in their lives. Participants were asked to name the top 10 historical events that have occurred in their lifetime that have impacted the nation. The top events were the same-sex marriage vote, September 11, Kevin Rudd’s National Apology to Aboriginal Australians, The Port Arthur massacre, the 2000 Olympics, the Dismissal of the Whitlam Government, The Vietnam War, the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon Landing, the rise of the internet, Australia’s 1983 Victory in the American’s Cup, the Global Financial Crisis, and the election of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
When asked to rank their top 10 most significant historical events, three in 10 Australians stated the Same-Sex Marriage Vote was one of their top 10 memorable events.
Same-sex marriage was the top historical event for younger generations with 42% of Millennials/Gen Y and 41% of Generation Z including the Same-Sex Marriage Vote in their top 10 historical events, while 30% of Generation X, 24% of Baby boomers and 13% of Silent Generation included the vote in their top 10 events.
When asked what event made you feel most proud of Australia 13% voted the Same-Sex Marriage Vote.
When asked what the single most historical event in your lifetime, the Same-Sex Marriage Vote (7%) was the second most important event behind September 11 (11%).