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Explore

Democracy

Democracy

Aretha Brown, a young woman, holds a banner at a protest rally with a fist raised in the air.

Stories

Stories

Black and white image of the front of Old Parliament House with a crowd of people of gathered at the foot of the stairs. The building is white with columns and an Australian flag flies at the top.

Collection

Collection

A close up of a rainbow flag covered in signatures.

POLITICAL CARTOONS

Browse Behind the Lines, our annual exhibition celebrating the year's best political cartoons.

Explore
Visitors looking at the framed cartoons on the walls

STORIES

Arthur Calwell and the gift of immigration
History

Arthur Calwell and the gift of immigration

How the Second World War influenced changes to Australian immigration.

The thieving diva: behind the scenes of the opening ceremony at Parliament House
Heritage

The thieving diva: behind the scenes of the opening ceremony at Parliament House

How one guest didn't go hungry at a historic banquet lunch.

Only human – disability in Australian politics (part 2: human rights and human laws)
History

Only human – disability in Australian politics (part 2: human rights and human laws)

How Australian politicians have addressed disability in Parliament.

Zines: an independent platform for self-expression
Your voice

Zines: an independent platform for self-expression

A conversation with zine maker, Bastian Fox Phelan.

Referenda and plebiscites – what's the difference?
Democracy

Referenda and plebiscites – what's the difference?

COLLECTION

Michael Darby’s campaign matchbook Michael Darby’s campaign matchbook

Michael Darby’s campaign matchbook

More than an unassuming piece of campaign material, this matchbook has a story to tell.
Court dress cufflinks and vesta case

Court dress cufflinks and vesta case

These decorated cufflinks were part of a court dress uniform for the Minister for External Affairs.

DEMOCRACY

Defining democracy Australian democracy

Defining democracy

What is democracy?
Australian democracy Australian democracy

Australian democracy

Every democratic society is distinct. The same is true for Australia.