5. The Current Use of the Place

5.1. Background

Since 2009 Old Parliament House has been home to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). Old Parliament House is also known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

5.2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House management structure

In 2016 the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Establishing Old Parliament House) Rule 2016 established Old Parliament House as a corporate Commonwealth entity, legally separate from the Commonwealth. This Rule prescribes the functions and powers of Old Parliament House, and its management structure, including the functions and powers of the Old Parliament House Board and the role of the Director. The functions of the Board are to decide the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by Old Parliament House, and to ensure the proper and efficient performance of its functions. The Board is the accountable authority.

Old Parliament House is a statutory agency of the Australian Government. It is composed of six functional areas: People, Strategy and Museum Experience; Exhibitions, Research and Learning; Heritage, Communications and Development; Facilities and Capital Projects; Digital and Information Technology (IT); and Finance.

5.3. MoAD Strategic Plan 2018–2023

5.3.1. MoAD vision

The MoAD vision is expressed thus: Celebrating the stories and spirit of Australian democracy and the power of our voices within it.

Democracy the world over is under pressure. Trust in public institutions – government, business, media and non-government organisations – is at an historic low.6 MoAD plays a significant role in enriching understanding and appreciation of Australia’s political legacy and the intrinsic value of democracy – the capacity for people to have a say in the future of this nation.

Through our exhibitions, events, engagement and education programs we will cultivate ‘a peoples’ place’ – true to the building’s original brief – to improve understanding of democracy and the skills required to participate in it.

In a country comprising people from over 200 nations, MoAD provides a space where the varied voices that make up our nation can be heard and respected. As a trusted cultural institution, MoAD seeks to build new, mutually beneficial partnerships that will extend our reach, engagement and influence to a range of audiences.

In five years’ time this iconic building and all it represents will be a place where all of society engages with big ideas. To do this our exhibitions, outreach, visitor experiences, partnerships and events, will be richly informed by original and authoritative research. We seek to educate through entertainment and engagement, reflecting on and reinforcing Australia’s place as a leading democratic nation.