MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. Some exhibitions and rooms are closed for essential building works. Learn more
What is a referendum? Why should you care? We’ve broken down everything you need to know, from A to Z.
Your guide to misinformation and democracy.
How the head of the government can lose their position.
For the first time in Australian history, a governor-general dismissed a prime minister and government.
The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.
In the 1951 referendum, Australia voted no on banning Communist ideology by the barest of margins.
The Museum of Australian Democracy acknowledges Australia's First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We respectfully acknowledge the role that First Nations people continue to play in shaping Australia's democracy. We also acknowledge the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the region in which MoAD is located. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.
© Copyright 2026 Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House Privacy Statement