MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. Some exhibitions and rooms will be closed from September 2025 for essential building works. Learn more
The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.
Our collection captures the ideas, movements, people and events of Australian democracy.
Your guide to royal commissions in Australia.
Everything you need to know about a double dissolution.
For the first time in Australian history, a governor-general dismissed a prime minister and government.
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