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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    From the blog

    The museum needs your help!

    2 minute read

    Thu 2 Feb 2012 by
    Campbell Rhodes
    • collection

    Shortly before the 2010 federal election, a couple were spotted in the museum wearing one of these T-shirts. One of our staff members asked if we could eventually have the shirt for our collection and was surprised when the visitor removed it then and there and handed it over!

    The shirt was created for a wedding; all guests at the ceremony, held in the Old Parliament House gardens, were required by the bride and groom to wear the shirts. It features caricatures of both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott.

    The museum has taken this T-shirt into its collection because it is a contemporary example of the use of clothing to deliver a political message. It is a personal statement of support for a politician and political party, showing how politics can be a very personal thing among passionate supporters of politicians, parties and causes. It allows us to tell a great story about this aspect of Australian political life. But the story is incomplete. That’s where you come in!

    We’d like to know more about the background of this shirt. Who designed it and why? How many copies were there and how many copies still exist? If you know anything about this unusual item of clothing, we’d love to hear from you.

    If you can help us, contact us via the blog, by email or by phone (02) 6270 8222. Maybe you have your own story to tell.

    2 minute read

    Thu 2 Feb 2012 by
    Campbell Rhodes
    • collection
    The front of the t-shirt

    The front of the t-shirt

    • Tshirt front cu 4f29c9a541576
    • Tshirt back 4f29caa6aaefa
    • Tshirt back cu 4f29cac60dc36

    Campbell has been the Curatorial Officer at the Museum since 2012 and has worked in the sector for almost a decade. He is passionate about telling stories through objects and activities, and equally passionate about the hopelessly large pile of books he hasn’t got around to reading yet.

    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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