The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which our museum is built. We honour and respect their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections in this country. The museum respectfully acknowledges the major role Indigenous Australians have and continue to play in shaping Australia’s democracy.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images, voices or names of people who have passed away.
xCloseDuring 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is it compulsory to like compulsory voting? I haven’t decided yet. There are good arguments, sound, solid, democratic arguments, on both sides.
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.
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.
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.
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…
How does Australia govern itself during a major crisis, and how does it maintain its democratic norms during something like the COVID-19 pandemic?
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.
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?
Exhibition curator Jennifer Forest picks her top 5 faves from Behind the Lines 2019: The year's best political cartoons...
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…
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.
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.
(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 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.
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…
