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?

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.
xCloseIn April 1974, a senator was distracted by fresh seafood as a political foil. Did it work?
Today, 20 December 2017, marks the centenary of Australia’s second plebiscite on conscription. Our regular blogger Barry York asks, 'was this a ‘Brexit’ moment?'
On this day in 1966 Nedeljko Gajic was arrested in Braidwood after threatening a taxi driver. It was alleged by police that Gajic intended to ‘kill the head man of Australia, Mr Holt.’
Early Governor General Thomas Denman and his wife Lady Gertrude were in tune with their time, and perhaps surprisingly, with the people and the place too.
On this day 108 years ago, a prime minister took a stand and invited some warships to visit Australia. Did he realise at the time what a monumental impact he would have on Australia’s place in the world?
Arthur Calwell was shot fifty years ago today. He survived, but the story of his brush with death doesn’t end outside Mosman Town Hall; it is a story of a Catholic faith that never wavered even when looking death in the face.
Did you know, there was another Dismissal, decades before Sir John Kerr sacked Gough Whitlam? On this day, 13 May, 1932, Governor Sir Philip Game sacked Jack Lang as Premier of New South Wales.
On this day a century ago, the Easter Rising in Dublin renewed the struggle for Irish independence. What impact did this have on Australia, and what were its ramifications for Australian democracy and society?
On this day in 1939, Australia lost its beloved prime minister. Joe Lyons’ death saw the elevation of Bob Menzies, and the alienation of Earle Page.
On this day in 1971, the ‘jack of all trades’ ascended unexpectedly to the prime ministership.
Fifty years ago today in 1966, Harold Holt became Australia’s 17th prime minister. He took great personal satisfaction in his ascent to the role.
Robert Menzies resigned as prime minister 50 years ago today, ending the longest period – 16 years – as national leader in the history of Australian democracy.
At first glance this mug looks perfectly ordinary but this object has an extraordinary story to tell.