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Living Democracy: the power of the people

Permanent exhibition

Open daily 9am–5pm (closed Christmas Day).

Free after admission
$2 adults, $1 children and concessions, $5 family.

18 King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra.

Peter Cundall is arrested outside Parliament House during anti-pulp mill protests in Hobart, Tasmania, 19 November 2009. Paul Carter, AAP.

A democracy is continually shaped and challenged by people. People striving to be included, heard and represented equally. People contributing, advocating and generating change.

The Living Democracy exhibition shares the stories of a diverse range of people whose lives are intrinsically linked with Australia’s democracy. People who have protested for change, petitioned government, represented others, secured voting equality for all Australians, become leaders of change in their communities and had their voice heard through music and art.

Explore how our democracy continues to be uniquely shaped by each of us participating in our communities, shaping our laws and governments and challenging ourselves and each other.

“Ordinary people need to lead…”

Ian Kiernan AO Founder of Clean Up Australia and Australian of the Year 1994

  • A woman votes in the 2010 federal election. Sydney, New South Wales, August 2010. Australian Electoral Commission.
  • John Butler performs a ‘rebel busk’ outside the head offices of two of Australia’s biggest gas and petroleum companies. Perth, Western Australia, 30 May 2011. Photographer Talhy Stotzer.
  • Moorebank residents protest against a the building of a new major link road proposed for their region. Parramatta, New South Wales, 25 October 2004. Dean Marzolla, Newspix.
  • An Aboriginal woman hands out how-to-vote cards during the 1967 Referendum
Sydney, New South Wales. May 1967. George Lipman, Fairfax Photos.

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600, Australia

PO Box 7088, Canberra BC ACT 2610

Open daily 9am—5pm


Telephone: 02 6270 8222
Enquiries: info@moadoph.gov.au

For feedback on the website: website@moadoph.gov.au

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Old Parliament House is an Executive Agency within the Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport portfolio.