MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. There may be building works during your visit. Learn more
Everything you need to know about the dismissal
What is a referendum? Why should you care? We’ve broken down everything you need to know, from A to Z.
Our collection captures the ideas, movements, people and events of Australian democracy.
In the 1951 referendum, Australia voted no on banning Communist ideology by the barest of margins.
The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.
The 1928 referendum asked Australians to change the way finances were managed by the Commonwealth and states.
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