MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. There may be building works during your visit. Learn more
In 1999 Australia voted no to replacing the Queen as our head of state with a president.
The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.
In the 1951 referendum, Australia voted no on banning Communist ideology by the barest of margins.
Deep dive into stories about Old Parliament House, Australian history and democracy.
How it works, why it matters and the power of your role in it.
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.
© Copyright 2025 Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House Privacy Statement