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?
Articles tagged with: learning
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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.
Australia vs America – midterm elections and their influence
The United States is facing ‘midterm elections’ as voters give their views on the Trump Administration without voting for the presidency. But did you know this process has influenced the way politics works in Australia?
Welcome to Australia
New citizens are welcomed with heart-felt messages from our visitors.
Don’t come the raw prawn with me
In April 1974, a senator was distracted by fresh seafood as a political foil. Did it work?
What does a state governor do?
What does a state governor do? Host garden parties, sign bills… if you’re scratching your head at this point read on to find out more.
Agitators, suffragettes and spies: 7 women you should know
2018 marks the 75th anniversary of the election of the first women to the federal parliament. This International Women’s Day, we look at what could have been by profiling seven women who, if things had been different, had what it takes to go all the way to the top of the political ladder.
My Dreams Matter
My name is Anhaar Kareem, I am 10 years old and a winner of the What matters? writing competition for 2017.
Breaking up is hard to do: secession in Australia
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.
What did our early PMs sound like?
We know a lot about what our early prime ministers were like. There are plenty of photos of them throughout their lives, and biographies record their personalities, appearance, quirks, habits, and even their tastes in food, literature or music. But we don’t know much about how they sounded.
Red, White and Blue: The Australian Flag
Did you know the Australian flag has only been official since the 1950s? And that the most common version for a long time was red, not blue? This National Flag Day, we have some more facts to share about the big blue banner.
How often should we have an election – every three years or every four?
Does it ever feel like we’ve just got over the last election before the next one looms? This week, yet again, there is talk of replacing three year parliamentary terms with four. Would it be better? Here’s the low down.
Dual citizenship and other no nos that will give you the boot
There are a number of factors that will make you ineligible for parliament… we’ve collated a handy list.
Hands That Shook Australia
The handshakes, points, touches and other gestures that made a statement in Australian history.
The Same, But Different: the UK election compared to Australia
Ahead of the UK election, what are the key similarities and differences between politics and parliaments in the UK and Australia.
The Prime Minister’s Seat: A Case Study in Sleuthing
Why does the Prime Minister of Australia sit at the table in the House of Representatives? No other PM does. A chance question led researcher Campbell to do some detective work, and in the process learn more about the shapes and settings of parliamentary chambers the world over.
The 2016 National History Challenge
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD) would like to congratulate all students who participated in the 2016 National History Challenge.
A life recorded on bark – Senator Neville Bonner
For those teachers and students who have done our Who’s the Boss program, you may have come across the trailblazing Senator Neville Bonner. In this program we celebrate Neville who, as Australia’s first Indigenous Senator, entered federal parliament in 1971; just 9 years after Indigenous Australians got the right to vote. Early this year, our knowledge of and connection with Neville was made even richer by his son Alfred’s donation of a bark painting depicting Neville’s life.
How Billy Hughes lost the 1916 conscription referendum
100 years ago Australia was divided over the issue of conscription. Australia was one of the few countries without conscription, and Prime Minister Billy Hughes was determined to introduce it. Guest blogger Professor Joan Beaumont examines why the popular and bombastic Hughes, a man used to getting his own way by hook or by crook, failed in his mission.
National Reconciliation Week in PLAY UP
Last week we welcomed early learners and their parents to PLAY UP for a special National Reconciliation Week event introducing museum items and activities to this small but mighty audience.
