Sir Robert Menzies famously said that being in opposition is ‘…not a time in the wilderness … but a time in the garden of opportunity’. Gareth Evans clearly didn’t agree when he expressed his view about sitting on the opposition benches in 1997 as ‘Relevance deficiency syndrome’. The challenge of being in parliamentary opposition is explored in the recently opened Opposition Party Room and the Leader of the Opposition’s Office at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
The opening was marked by a conversation to panel discussion facilitated by William McInness (Chair of the MoAD Advisory Council) and featuring Senator Joe Ludwig, The Hon Minister Simon Crean (former Opposition Leader), Mrs Margaret Reid (former President of the Senate) and Dr Norman Abjorensen (author and Australian Prime Ministers Centre Fellow).
These new spaces tell the stories of opposition — key events, concepts and personalities, both serious and light-hearted. A 90 second democracy quiz rapidly dispels the myth that Australian democracy has had a smooth and arguably bland journey by revealing dramatic incidents such as political assassinations, terrorist attacks and the training and arming of paramilitary militia. Nearby a disco ball is poised in mid-spin above the head of John Howard who, as Opposition Leader, hosted a raucous disco party in 1986. This in a room that also witnessed raised tempers, serious party splits and fierce leadership contests.
One of the most well known events that occurred in the Old Parliament House building was the dismissal of the Whitlam Labor Government in 1975. Judging by the finger prints on the screen at the end of each day the interactive that examines this event is very popular. Following a video presentation you have the opportunity to vote on whether you would have blocked the supply of the critical money bills that eventually led to the government’s dismissal … and find out how many other people have voted with you or against you on the day of your visit.
Next door is the Leader of the Opposition’s Office which focuses on the leaders themselves, their personalities and their contributions to Australia’s parliamentary and political history. A scan of the photographs from George Reid in 1901 to Tony Abott in 2010 tells us a lot about the changing style of photographic portraits alone. Even more interesting is comparing the duration of opposition leadership. Doc Evatt holds the unenviable record for the longest time as opposition leader ‘in the garden of opportunity’ — nine years. Wilderness or opportunity? You be the judge.
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