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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    Democracy. Are You In?

    Open Now

    Told through powerful stories of democracy in action, this exhibition will provoke thought and motivate visitors to recognise the power of their voice.

    Democracy is a living system and it works best when there is a healthy balance between trust and distrust - but that balance is tipping. Distrust is on the rise, and confidence in our political and social institutions is at its lowest point in decades.

    This contemporary exhibition uses a range of photographs, objects and audio visual elements in unique and engaging ways and aims to both empower and inspire visitors to recognise that our freedoms and our way of life are built on the foundation of democracy. Visitors are encouraged to come to their own conclusions about where Australia’s democracy sits on a global scale.

    Our democracy needs us. Are you in?

    Get involved online on our Democracy. Are You In? Let's Talk, Let's Act page. 

    The data

    Findings around trust and democratic satisfaction come from research conducted by the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis (IGPA) at the University of Canberra.

    • The Power of One Voice - Power, Powerlessness and Australian Democracy (PDF, 2.9mb)
    • How Australians Imagine Their Democracy: The "Power of Us" (PDF, 5mb)
    • Democracy 100 You Can Make a Difference. Towards a Charter For Australian Democracy? (PDF, 3.9mb)
    • Democracy Index 2017. Free Speech Under Attack (PDF, 1.6mb)
    • Globally, Broad Support for Representative and Direct Democracy (PDF, 500kb)

    Citizen activism: reclaiming childhood rights

    When people think of a royal commission usually the first image that springs to mind is a courtroom crowded with sombre-looking experts. This picture is only half the story. Often a royal commission has its genesis in the tenacious activities of ordinary people who speak out and expose injustice or wrongdoing.

    Presented as part of Democracy Are You In? hear first-hand from three tenacious women who were determined for the truth to get out. Their stories illustrate how public pressure can be harnessed to hold power to account by triggering a royal commission. They exemplify how citizen activism can bring about crucial social and political change. From grassroots campaigns to mass protests, people power is essential in a healthy democracy. Democracy Are You In? highlights how activism can take many forms, from championing legislative change, joining a political party or a citizen's jury, voting or even standing for public office.

    Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

    18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600, Australia

    PO Box 3934
    Manuka ACT 2603

    Open daily 9am - 5pm
    Last entry is at 4pm

    ABN: 30 620 774 963

    Telephone: 02 6270 8222

    Enquiries:
    info@moadoph.gov.au

    Research library

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

    If the museum is closed due to an emergency, call for new opening times: 1800 716 066

    Visiting

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    The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is a Corporate Commonwealth Entity within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet