Skip to main content
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Cart Icon Shop Support Icon Support Search Icon Search

MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. Some exhibitions and rooms will be closed from September 2025 for essential building works. Learn more

Main navigation

Visit

What's on Getting here and parking Access Plan a school visit Group tours Food and dining Shop Map

Learn

School visits Digital excursions and events Professional development Activities and resources

Play

Play at home Play at the museum

Explore

Democracy Collection Stories Political cartoons

Support

Donate Partnerships Volunteer Donate to collection

About

Old Parliament House Board of Old Parliament House Reports, policies and plans Access to information Media Careers Venue hire Contact
Main mobile navigation

Visit

What's on Getting here and parking Access Plan a school visit Group tours Food and dining Shop Map

Explore

Democracy Collection Stories Political cartoons

Learn

School visits Digital excursions and events Professional development Activities and resources

Play

Play at home Play at the museum

Support

Donate Partnerships Volunteer Donate to collection

About

Old Parliament House Board of Old Parliament House Reports, policies and plans Access to information Media Careers Venue hire Contact
A collage graphic of prominent Australian politicians making speeches.
  • Home
  • Explore
  • Democracy
  • Election speeches
  • Search

Search results

  • defence

Clear all filters

Showing 12 results of 58

Edmund Barton – 1901
Barton’s speech was not transcribed: these appear to be his speaking notes for the speech, including handwritten amendments. Compliment of Hunter mainland invitation. Faithful representation of their Australian interests. Great honor to occupy post of Prime Minister not obtained by any seeking of mine; great responsibilities; pioneer work. First responsibility. Formation of Ministry. Describe colleagues. Will not attempt to exalt them. Not a one-man ministry nor men with shibboleths. Ministry...
  • defence
  • federal capital
  • government administration
  • infrastructure
  • trade
Alfred Deakin – 1910
Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, electors and electresses of Ballarat—[Laughter]—at least once in every three years you are called upon, before choosing your representatives to take a collected view of the position in the Commonwealth, to return upon the past, or at all events upon the recent past, in order that you may be enabled to decide upon and prepare for action in the immediate present. Without a recollection of the roads travelled and the bridges crossed since our union was accomplished...
  • defence
  • economy
  • federation
  • infrastructure
Andrew Fisher – 1910
No full transcript of this speech has yet been located. The following is a press report of Fisher’s speech. The Hon. A. Fisher, Leader of the Federal Opposition, arrived today by the 4pm train from Brisbane. He was welcomed at the station by the Mayor (Alderman C. C. McGhie) and prominent members of the W.P.O. Mr. Fisher addressed a public meeting this evening, in the Town Hall, which was well filled. The Mayor presided, and on the platform were Messrs. G. Ryland, C. Collins and M. A. Ferricks...
  • agriculture
  • defence
  • economy
  • federation
  • social security
Andrew Fisher – 1913
Four years ago I delivered a policy speech at Gympie which outlined the proposals of the first Fisher Government for the safety and future progress of Australia. It awakened interest in Australian national questions, and then quickly followed the fusion of other political parties in the Federal Parliament, the defeat of the Labour Ministry immediately Parliament met, and the return of the Labour party to power at the last election. [Hear, hear] I am with you tonight to give account of my...
  • communications and technology
  • defence
  • economy
  • federal capital
  • federal-state relations
  • foreign affairs
  • health
  • industrial relations
  • infrastructure
  • social security
  • trade
  • White Australia policy
Andrew Fisher – 1914
Open discussion in Parliament has revealed to the public the shameless character of the Government in financial matters. When the Treasurer made a financial statement on June 11 he stated that he estimated to close the financial year 19 days later with a surplus of £824,305. When he made that statement he knew that he had spent £1,819,000 more than the revenue he received. In the discussion that followed the naked truth was revealed that he had no surplus; but that did not deter the Prime...
  • defence
  • economy
  • industrial relations
  • social security
Joseph Cook – 1913
The policy of liberalism The Town Hall was packed. The Mayor of Parramatta occupied the chair. Mr. Cook said: I appreciate the privilege of announcing the aims and policy of the Liberal Party from the platform, where for 12 years past, by your kindness and confidence, I have been accustomed to announce my personal views. Tonight, I speak to a much larger audience, and with a sense of great responsibility. [Applause] The manifesto of the opposing party has been issued. Its ‘binding’ programme has...
  • defence
  • economy
  • federation
  • government administration
  • immigration
  • industrial relations
  • infrastructure
  • social security
  • socialism
  • trade
  • water
  • White Australia policy
Joseph Cook – 1914
It is peculiarly appropriate that here in Parramatta, whence the fertilising forces of civilisation first spread over the vast expanse of the virgin continent that a Liberal policy and propaganda which stands hard by the personal pioneering qualities should be articulated. Here, where the first crops were grown and reaped, is surely the place from which to propound a policy vibrating with sympathy for the grain growers and cultivators of today. Here, too, where the first flax factory and the...
  • defence
  • economy
  • federal capital
  • federal-state relations
  • foreign affairs
  • government administration
  • immigration
  • industrial relations
  • social security
  • water
  • White Australia policy
Billy Hughes – 1917
The Prime Minister (Mr. Hughes) had a rousing reception when he opened the Win the War campaign at Bendigo on Tuesday, March 27. Long before the time for beginning the meeting the building was crowded in every part, and a large number of people failed to gain admittance. It is estimated that there were over 3,000 people present. When Mr. Hughes appeared on the platform he was enthusiastically cheered. The mayor of the city (Councillor Beebe) occupied the chair. Besides Mr. Hughes, there were on...
  • defence
  • economy
  • immigration
  • trade
Billy Hughes – 1919
Before setting out the present circumstances of the Commonwealth and the policy of the Government in regard to them, it is proper that I should give an account of our stewardship, in order that the electors may judge from that which we have done who is best fitted to lead this country during the period of reconstruction which now confronts us. The National Party - what it is Let me remind you of the circumstances in which the National Party came into existence, so that you may see what manner of...
  • defence
  • economy
  • government administration
  • health
  • immigration
  • industrial relations
  • social security
  • trade
Billy Hughes – 1922
The Parliament elected by the people in 1919 has run its course; a new one has to be chosen; the Government to whom you then entrusted the reins of power again appeals to you for a renewal of your confidence. We have held office for nearly six years. As we have borne the heat and burden of the day during the most trying period in the history of the Commonwealth, it is only proper I should review our record, remind you of the principles for which we stand, and declare the polity upon which we...
  • agriculture
  • communications and technology
  • defence
  • federal capital
  • foreign affairs
  • health
  • immigration
  • industrial relations
  • water
  • White Australia policy
Frank Tudor – 1917
Sixteen years ago today, the first Federal elections were held. Since then, I have always topped the poll. If they do me the honour of opposing me on this occasion – and they say they will – [An interjector: ‘Let them all come!’ followed by cheers] Candidly, I do not mind a fight; it will not be upon my shoulders, but upon yours. [Hear, hear] After two or three meetings I shall be more in the other States than in Victoria, until the last week. The strength of the Labor movement has been...
  • agriculture
  • defence
  • federal-state relations
  • trade
Matthew Charlton – 1922
Source: The Register (Adelaide), Wednesday 25 October 1922, page 10 Report of ALP Opposition Leader, Matthew Charlton’s speech to launch the party’s 1922 election campaign. Sydney, 24 October 24, 1922 Labour’s policy 'Unlimited Legislative Powers.' 'Do Away With Costly Governors.' The Leader of the Federal Opposition (Mr. M. Charlton), in delivering his policy speech at West Maitland this evening, before an attendance of about 300, complained of Mr. Hughes’s trick of changing the date of his...
  • defence
  • industrial relations
  • social security

Pagination

  • Current page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Next page Next ›
  • Last page Last »

Discover patterns in political speech

Explore how language in Australian election speeches has evolved – from the rise of terms like internet and terrorism, to shifts in readability and speech length over time.

Footer

Stories, ideas and news in your inbox

02 6270 8222 info@moadoph.gov.au
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube

Visit

  • What's on
  • Getting here and parking
  • Access
  • Food and dining
  • Plan a school visit
  • Group tours
  • Shop
  • Map

About

  • Old Parliament House
  • Board of Old Parliament House
  • Reports, policies and plans
  • Access to information
  • Media
  • Careers
  • Venue hire
  • Contact

Learn

  • School visits
  • Digital excursions and events
  • Professional development
  • Activities and resources

Support

  • Donate
  • Partnerships
  • Volunteer
  • Donate to collection

Play

  • At the museum
  • At home

Explore

  • Democracy
  • Collection
  • Stories
  • Political cartoons

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

MOAD house logo