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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

Mr Speaker!
Heritage

Mr Speaker!

The role of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

When Jack Lang was dismissed as Premier of New South Wales
History

When Jack Lang was dismissed as Premier of New South Wales

A look at the first dismissal of an Australian political leader.

The King George V memorial
Heritage

The King George V memorial

How the statue of King George V found its home.

A perfect picture of the statesman: John Christian Watson
History

A perfect picture of the statesman: John Christian Watson

What made the Watson government notable?

The same, but different: the UK election compared to Australia
Democracy

The same, but different: the UK election compared to Australia

COLLECTION

Bob Hawke vs Paul Keating leadership challenge ballot papers Bob Hawke vs Paul Keating leadership challenge ballot papers

Bob Hawke vs Paul Keating leadership challenge ballot papers

Challenge accepted.
Proclamation dissolving the parliament, 1975

Proclamation dissolving the parliament, 1975

Proclaiming the dismissal.

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.