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.

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Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
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Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
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    Articles tagged with: on this day

    Latest articles

    12 minute read

    Fri 18 May 2018
    Campbell Rhodes

    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?

    Read article

    Prawns

    8 minute read

    Wed 20 Dec 2017
    Dr Barry York

    A plebiscite milestone: 100 years on from the 1917 conscription debates

    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?'

    Read article

    Keep australia white poster%20%281%29

    2 minute read

    Wed 16 Nov 2016
    David Jolliffe

    On This Day: a plot to kill Harold Holt?

    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.’

    Read article

    Holt rockdale demonstration

    11 minute read

    Wed 16 Nov 2016
    Frank Bongiorno

    The Denmans in British Australia: cultured and courteous with nothing to do

    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.

    Read article

    03 cmag denman

    6 minute read

    Sat 20 Aug 2016
    Campbell Rhodes

    Deakin’s Great White Gamble

    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?

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    Us%20navy%20fleet%20visit%20stereograph

    9 minute read

    Tue 21 Jun 2016
    Campbell Rhodes

    On this day: a Catholic forgives

    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.

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    Large medals

    3 minute read

    Fri 13 May 2016
    Campbell Rhodes

    On This Day: Jack Lang dismissed as Premier of New South Wales

    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.

    Read article

    Jack lang bust old parliament house

    8 minute read

    Sun 24 Apr 2016
    Campbell Rhodes

    On This Day: the Easter Rising, 100 years on

    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?

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    01 rising

    3 minute read

    Thu 7 Apr 2016
    Campbell Rhodes

    On This Day: the death of Joe Lyons

    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.

    Read article

    Lyons blog post

    10 minute read

    Thu 10 Mar 2016
    Dr Patrick Mullins

    On This Day: William McMahon becomes Prime Minister

    On this day in 1971, the ‘jack of all trades’ ascended unexpectedly to the prime ministership.

    Read article

    Billy mcmahon

    10 minute read

    Tue 26 Jan 2016
    Professor Tom Frame

    On This Day: Prime Minister Harold Holt commences his 692 days as leader of Australia

    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.

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    Harold holt 1950

    7 minute read

    Wed 20 Jan 2016
    Alex McDermott

    On This Day: Robert Menzies retires 50 years ago

    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. 

    Read article

    Robert menzies and harold holt

    7 minute read

    Wed 20 Jan 2016
    Campbell Rhodes

    On This Day: A man becomes King but doesn’t see his coronation.

    At first glance this mug looks perfectly ordinary but this object has an extraordinary story to tell. 

    Read article

    Coronation mug for edward viii

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    Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

    18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600, Australia

    PO Box 3934
    Manuka ACT 2603

    9am to 5pm daily 
    Closed Christmas Day

    ABN: 30 620 774 963

    Telephone: 02 6270 8222

    Enquiries:
    info@moadoph.gov.au

    Please note: video surveillance is used 24 hours a day around and throughout the building and may be used for research purposes

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    The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is a Corporate Commonwealth Entity within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts