Top hat crowns and daggers: what is your political destiny?

In 2016 a sense of destiny seemed to reshape the broad contours of the political landscape both in Australia and abroad. It was a double-dissolution year, the Olympics were on in Rio and there was a census. There had never been a more exciting time to be an Australian. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s calibrated actions shaped the final months of the 44th parliament and would decisively influence the makeup of the 45th. Whilst, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten positioned his team for a make-or-break showdown. Around the world, the United States was in for a polarising presidential election, while Britain pondered its future.

All three countries had a date with destiny. And with the many tumultuous events, it was another rich year for our nation's cartoonists, who continued our vibrant, fearless tradition of political cartooning. Each year these cartoons bring home to us that their voices are ours, capturing the spirit of our democracy in all its passion, scepticism and above all, humour.

#ICYMI: Australia's best political cartoons of 2016 are on show at Old Parliament House in #Canberra https://t.co/Rxj5BwMMiL pic.twitter.com/KX2xdnptzg

— ABC News Canberra (@abcnewsCanberra) November 29, 2016

Browse cartoons from previous Behind the Lines exhibitions.

Behind the Lines family games

Come and play Political Tarot or Political Celebrity Heads at the Museum of Australian Democracy and live out your political destiny! 

Political cartooning learning resources

Want to learn more? Explore a range of political cartooning resources to assist students to understand more about political cartooning. All resources link to curriculum areas, including HASS, Civics and Citizenship, History, English, Visual arts or Media arts.

Behind the Lines 2016: travelling exhibition

A travelling version of Behind the Lines 2016 will be on show at the following venues:

9 December 2016 – 13 February 2017
Gosford Regional Art Gallery
36 Webb St East 
Gosford NSW 2250

20 March 2017 – 8 May 2017
Grafton Regional Gallery
158 Fitzroy St
Grafton NSW

13 May 2017 – 8 June 2017
Parramatta Riverside Theatre
Corner Market & Church St
Parramatta NSW 2150

18 June 2017– 25 August 2017
Old Treasury Building Melbourne
20 Spring St
Melbourne VIC 3072

3 September 2017 – 3 November 2017
Warrnambool Art Gallery
26 Liebig St
Warrnambool VIC 3280

20 November 2017 – 28 January 2018
State Library of South Australia
North Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000

The travelling version of Behind the Lines 2016 is proudly supported by the National Collection Institutions Touring and Outreach program. An Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.