In the running: the Liberals’ choice in 1968
The ninth of January marks the 50th anniversary of John Gorton’s election as leader of the Liberal Party, making him Australia’s 19th prime minister.

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.
xCloseThe ninth of January marks the 50th anniversary of John Gorton’s election as leader of the Liberal Party, making him Australia’s 19th prime minister.
You’ve heard about Brexit, but what about WAxit? Thought of starting your own country? It’s a little bit more complex than running up a new flag. Our researcher Campbell has the details on states that have tried to leave the Commonwealth or split off from their state.
Election watchers have been busy this year. France went to the polls in April and May, and the UK in June. This weekend there are two elections to watch out for: New Zealand and Germany.
Ahead of the UK election, what are the key similarities and differences between politics and parliaments in the UK and Australia.
With Americans set to vote this week, most Australians would not have missed that the USA is facing a presidential election. But you might not know how things are different to Australian elections, or what the system entails. Researcher Campbell explains how American elections work, and how they compare to Australian elections.
Part 2 of a series of 2 blogs on election rituals. This one concentrates on the act of voting and how people are tending to vote early instead of turning up to vote with their fellow citizens.
Our election FAQ provides answers to 8 important questions about the federal election being held on 2 July.
Verging on another federal election, it is as good a time as any to ask ‘why do we have elections?’
We all know a democracy has an election, and we all go to our local school to vote every few years, and maybe grab a sausage. But what does an election entail? How do they come about and what happens when the Prime Minister announces one?
A ‘double dissolution’ is a constitutional mechanism that allows a government to overcome the blocking power of the Senate by going to an election in which both Houses are up for grabs.
With the recent changes to the Senate voting system, our researcher Campbell examines how things have been in the past and how the way we vote has changed over the years.