The most important feature of a charter is a provision requiring the courts to interpret legislation in a manner consistent with the charter’s recognition of rights wherever possible, writes Andrew Lynch.

It is nine years since the last referendum was held to amend the Australian Constitution, and it is over 30 years since there was a successful referendum to amend Australia’s Constitution. The present decade may be the first since Federation during which there is no referendum held. The lack of reform to the Constitution has...