The Museum of Australian Democracy acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.

The museum respectfully acknowledges the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to play in shaping Australia’s democracy.

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Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
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Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
  • Visiting
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    Latest articles

    6 minute read

    Fri 13 Nov 2020
    Leah Matilda House

    ‘So deadly…so proud’: Representation and democracy

    Senator Lidia Thorpe through consultation with our local community prioritised being Welcomed to Country prior to her attendance at Parliament House on the 6th of October. We held this Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the Tent Embassy, a location that has represented and stood for First Nations Peoples’ Sovereignty in this country since the early 70’s. 

    Read article

    Slt 58

    6 minute read

    Thu 5 Nov 2020
    Campbell Rhodes

    Life of the Party – Part 2

    This is the second of a series of blogs about parties...no, not that kind. I made this joke last time, and will probably keep making it, just so you know.  In Part one, we looked at why parties exist in the first place. Today, we’re asking: why should you care?

    Read article

    Liblab

    7 minute read

    Tue 15 Sep 2020
    Daryl Karp

    Three things I've learnt about democracy

    During my seven years as Director of the Museum of Australian Democracy, almost two million visitors have come through our doors …today, on International Democracy Day, I’m reflecting on what I’ve learnt from them.

    Read article

    Postitsdayi

    8 minute read

    Fri 11 Sep 2020
    Dr Barry York

    Asserting the right to protest: the Waterdale Road marches

    History is full of surprises, twists and turns. We had no idea that our poorly attended, local march would become a cause celebre - thanks entirely to the violent behaviour of the police. 

    Read article

    Wreck%20conscription%20vietnam%201970%20byork%20collection

    7 minute read

    Fri 11 Sep 2020
    Campbell Rhodes

    Life of the Party – Part 1

    In this, the first in a series of blogs about parties, their role and history, and people’s experiences with them, we’re going to examine how parties as we know them in Australia today came about.

    Read article

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    8 minute read

    Wed 9 Sep 2020
    Andrew Goodwin

    From Tulips to Trenches: Comings and goings in the Old Parliament House Gardens

    As Canberra emerges from winter into spring, it is a great time to reflect on some of the lesser known things about these beautiful historic gardens, including some of their temporary occupants.

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    Australian%20war%20memorial%20workmen

    5 minute read

    Fri 28 Aug 2020
    Brian Leadbeatter

    Sixty years of service: John Campbell

    In 1960, a young man in Brisbane noticed a newspaper  advertisement for a position of Hansard reporter at Parliament House, Canberra.  It would change his life forever. 

    Read article

    Principal%20parliamentart%20reporter%20john%20campbell%20in%20his%20office

    7 minute read

    Fri 31 Jul 2020
    Alex McDermott

    Is it compulsory to like compulsory voting?

    Is it compulsory to like compulsory voting? I haven’t decided yet. There are good arguments, sound, solid, democratic arguments, on both sides.

    Read article

    People%20voting%20during%20the%20election%20festival%202016

    8 minute read

    Thu 2 Jul 2020
    Brian Leadbeatter

    Political football

    The major winter football codes have come out of the COVID-19 induced break to resume their competitions and no one is cheering louder than our political leaders.

    Read article

    Bathurst football club 4e66dea195097 2

    8 minute read

    Mon 18 May 2020
    Rose Mackie

    Curly conversations: haircuts at Old Parliament House

    Have you ever tried a haircut at home?  Or do you prefer to leave it to the professionals?
    What about a haircut at work? This is an option if you work long hours at our Federal Parliament.

    Read article

    Itp96%20scott

    10 minute read

    Tue 12 May 2020
    Brian Leadbeatter

    The families from number 18

    18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT, may not seem like a familiar address, but I’m sure you will recognise the house and some of the families who grew up here. 

    Read article

    59e7c818

    6 minute read

    Wed 1 Apr 2020
    Rossi Young

    Pets in the spotlight

    Thrust into the spotlight by virtue of their human companions or place of residence, these pooches and pussy cats had the media profile and public adoration that some pollies would only dream of…

    Read article

    Pets in the spotlight 01

    14 minute read

    Fri 27 Mar 2020
    Campbell Rhodes

    War and Unity: How Australia governs during a crisis

    How does Australia govern itself during a major crisis, and how does it maintain its democratic norms during something like the COVID-19 pandemic? 

    Read article

    War cabinet menzies

    5 minute read

    Thu 27 Feb 2020
    Michael Evans

    Enlighten 2020: Better together

     We’re better when we’re together; the sum is greater than its parts... this year’s Enlighten projections on the façade of Old Parliament House are a celebration of that spirit: they remind us to stay positive and work together for the common good.

    Read article

    Hivemind enlighten

    7 minute read

    Thu 19 Dec 2019
    Sue White

    Changing the world, one suburb at a time

    Do you ever feel like you’re ready to change the world and make a difference, but you just have no idea where to start? 

    Read article

    0723%20uprising%20%28web event%20image%29%28v1%29

    5 minute read

    Tue 10 Dec 2019
    Jennifer Forest

    Behind the Lines 2019: Our curator's top five

    Exhibition curator Jennifer Forest picks her top 5 faves from Behind the Lines 2019: The year's best political cartoons...

    Read article

    Moad btl 2019 v3 web event 800x600px

    6 minute read

    Thu 28 Nov 2019
    Andrew Callow

    Notes from a News Champion

    In October 2019, 21 young people aged 11 to 16 years gathered at our Museum for a ‘News Champions Forum’ on media literacy. Participants discussed the news, its role in our democracy and how young people are represented in Australian news media. 
    Here, News Champion Andrew Callow shares his thoughts on the event… 

    Read article

    Newschampions

    4 minute read

    Tue 19 Nov 2019

    St Clare’s College students reflect – learning about suffrage through MoAD collection objects

    On September 23 ten students from the Year 9 and 10 Civics and Citizenship classes visited MoAD (Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House). The purpose of the visit was to participate in a private viewing of MoAD’s collection exploring women's rights and women’s involvement in Parliament.

    Read article

    St%20clare%e2%80%99s%20college%20students%20reflect 01

    9 minute read

    Mon 7 Oct 2019

    Prepping for a takeover: Girls Takeover Parliament at MoAD

    In September 2019, we welcomed the young leaders of Girls Takeover Parliament for some ‘democracy 101’ workshops to prep them for their trip up the hill on 14 October.  Here, participants Kate, Lauren, Rebecca and Adeline reflect on the experience.

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    206a4922

    5 minute read

    Thu 12 Sep 2019
    (Waskam) Emelda Davis

    'A catalyst for positive healing': Reflections on the Yumi Olgeta workshop

    (Waskam) Emelda Davis is the President of Australian South Sea Islanders - Port Jackson, a community advocate, and a descendant of the Australian blackbirding trade. In August 2019, she spoke at Yumi Olgeta, an inclusive craftivism workshop and conversation event.  Here, she reflects on what the Yumi Olgeta event meant to her...  

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    Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

    18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600, Australia

    PO Box 3934
    Manuka ACT 2603

    Open daily 9am - 5pm
    Final session commences at 4pm each day

    ABN: 30 620 774 963

    Telephone: 02 6270 8222

    Enquiries:
    info@moadoph.gov.au

    Research library

    Please note: video surveillance is used 24 hours a day around and throughout the building and may be used for research purposes

    If the museum is closed due to an emergency, call for new opening times: 1800 716 066

    Visiting

    • Planning your visit
    • Families at MoAD
    • Access for people with disabilities
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    • Café
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    • UNSW Canberra Howard Library

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    The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is a Corporate Commonwealth Entity within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet