Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, Media Release: Democracy – not a spectator’s sport, September 2015

Democracy is not something you have but something you do and on 15 September we celebrate the United Nations (UN) International Day of Democracy and the power of people’s voices.

This year the theme of the International Day of Democracy is ‘Space for Civil Society’. The UN says of this theme: ‘It is a reminder to Governments everywhere that the hallmark of successful and stable democracies is the presence of a strong and freely operating civil society — in which Government and civil society work together for common goals for a better future, and at the same time, civil society helps keep Government accountable.’

Why not celebrate with us? Enjoy free entry to the museum and check out our Living Democracy exhibition which is all about people power, or trace the journey of Australian democracy in our Designing Democracy exhibition. Our popular family space PLAY UP, will also be open featuring a new exhibition—The Right to Shelter. OR drive by to see the building lit up in blue marking this significant day.

Want more? Listen to Dr Tim Soutphommasane National Press Club speech where he warns of emerging threats to social cohesion and raises “serious concerns” about a “deterioration of community harmony”.