Pets in the spotlight
At a time of happy hounds and confused cats as we all adjust to new routines, spare a thought for the pets of past parliamentarians who found themselves thrust into the spotlight due to circumstances beyond their control…
Latest articles
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?
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.
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?
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...
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…
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.
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.
'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...
Tim Fischer: an old friend
Tim Fischer was a friend of ours. He served as a Member of Parliament in our building, and in his post-retirement years he continued to associate with the Museum as a visitor, donor, speaker and advocate for our values and history.
The Canberra Writers Festival at MoAD: Q & A with Edwina Jans
Next weekend, we’ll be hosting several events as part of the Canberra Writers Festival, running from 21-25 August. MoAD's Edwina Jans will be moderating a discussion with authors Troy Bramston and Patrick Mullins. We spoke with her about the art of politics, the Canberra Writers Festival at MoAD, and the questions she’s most looking forward to asking…
The democratic power of craftivism
Melbourne-based textile artist and participant in the #UDHRquilt Project, Helen Fraser, discusses craftivism, the impact it's had on her life, and how to become a craftivist.
'You and me together': Yumi Olgeta craftivism workshop
'Our aim is to provide a safe space for conversation, reflection, truth-telling, celebration and connection to take place'. Craftivist Helen Fraser spoke with us about the Yumi Olgeta craftivism workshop at MoAD.
Making a Mystery: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing
Have you ever wondered what goes into bringing one of our mystery tours to life? Or what it takes to prep objects for display in unusual spaces? Our Heritage and Collections Officer Nicole takes you behind the scenes and inside the control centre of our One Small Step Mystery Tour in celebration the Moon landing anniversary.
Reflections of Bob Hawke in Old Parliament House
'...the Old Parliament House seemed tailor-made for Hawke’s democratic style.'
Dr. Stephen Mills, former speechwriter for Prime Minister Bob Hawke (1986-91), reflects on his time working with Hawke here in Old Parliament House.
Could a post-Brexit Britain learn something from compulsory voting in Australia?
In June of 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU). Since then, little progress has been made in terms of how, when or even if that should happen. As an Australian observer I find this curious. The country voted to leave. Why has this not been enacted?
Five famous Australian cross-party friendships
Throughout history, plenty of rival politicians have been great personal friends, despite spending their careers trying to defeat one another.
Our researcher Campbell examines five famous cross-party friendships in Australian political history.
How to vote
Here’s a handy Q and A about how to vote, where to vote, how to make sure your vote counts, and what you can expect on election day 2019.
Why do we have elections anyway?
We're in election mode again, with the country set to go to the polls very soon. But why? Is it just a boring chore, or is it more important to rock up and cast your vote? Researcher and democracy nerd Campbell has some history for you...
