MoAD is open. There may be building works during your visit. The Cabinet Room is temporarily closed. Learn more

Free entry

Open 9am to 5pm daily
(Closed Christmas Day)
Plan your visit

Find us at

18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT
Ngunnawal, Ngunawal, Ngambri Country
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An office at Old Parliament House with red carpet, a large wooden desk, red leather chairs, wood panelled-walls and a book case.

CLERK OF THE SENATE'S OFFICE – NOW OPEN

See the Clerk of the Senate's office as it was on the day of the 1975 dismissal. On this historic day, Clerk of the Senate James Odgers witnessed the reading of the proclamation dismissing Gough Whitlam and his government on the steps of Parliament House.

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'WE'VE BEEN SACKED': THE 1975 WHITLAM GOVERNMENT DISMISSAL

For the first time in Australian history, the governor-general dismissed a prime minister and government. How did this constitutional crisis happen?

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Gough Whitlam stands with his hands in the air amidst a crowd of reporters with microphones and cameras on the steps of Old Parliament House on November 11 1975.
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EXHIBITIONS

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A black and white photo of a group of women holding protest signs in 1975. Signs say 'sexism is alive and well in Australia' and 'dress for comfort not style'.

Democracy

How it works, why it matters and the power of your role in it.

A close-up of an ornate coat with gold embroidered leaves and gold buttons embossed with the Australian coat of arms.

Collection

Our collection captures the ideas, movements, people and events of Australian democracy.

A black and white image of a corridor filled with people crowding around one person

Stories

Deep dive into stories about Old Parliament House, Australian history and democracy.

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