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Democracy

How it works, why it matters and the power of your role in it.

Democracy 101

What is democracy?

What is democracy?

Photograph of a person holding a senate paper.

Australian democracy

Australian democracy

A mother holds her baby and smiles at the camera at the front of Old Parliament House. A row of people waiting to vote are behind her. She holds a sausage sandwich.

What is a referendum?

What is a referendum?

An illustrated letter C with the words C is for constitution.

What is a double dissolution?

What is a double dissolution?

Hazel and Bob Hawke sit with three journalists at a table in the National Tally Room in 1983. There is a large map of Australia behind them on the wall.

How to vote in Australia

How to vote in Australia

People wearing colourful boardshorts and beachwear stand at polling booths at a polling station in Sydney's Bondi Beach.

'WE'VE BEEN SACKED': THE 1975 WHITLAM GOVERNMENT DISMISSAL

For the first time in Australian history, the governor-general dismissed a prime minister and government. How did this constitutional crisis happen?

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Gough Whitlam on the steps of Old Parliament House surrounded by the press who are holding microphones and video cameras on 11 November 1975.

Milestones in Australian democracy

Prime minister biographies

Prime minister biographies

MP John Brumby (left) and Prime Minister Bob Hawke (centre) join colleagues in the Senate Committee Room for a beer and a laugh.

Founding documents of our democracy

Founding documents of our democracy

A white parchment with blue elegant calligraphy and the title Victoria Regin AE AD 1894.

Every election speech from 1901 - 2022

Every election speech from 1901 - 2022

A row of desks in a U shape with green leather.

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What is a double dissolution?

What is a double dissolution?

Everything you need to know about a double dissolution.

Referendums A to Z

Referendums A to Z

What is a referendum? Why should you care? We’ve broken down everything you need to know, from A to Z. 

1946: Social Services referendum

1946: Social Services referendum

The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.

Behind the lines

Behind the lines

The year's best political cartoons.

Stories

Stories

Deep dive into stories about Old Parliament House, Australian history and democracy.

'We've been sacked': the 1975 Whitlam government dismissal

'We've been sacked': the 1975 Whitlam government dismissal

For the first time in Australian history, a governor-general dismissed a prime minister and government.