Historical Calendar

The Civics and Citizenship Education Historical Calendar celebrates significant days in Australia's history. By providing online links to further information and teaching and learning activities, it helps teachers to make investigations of these significant days an engaging and meaningful educational experience for students.

Selecting 'Current event' in the calendar will take you to events on or near the current date or the calendar may be browsed by month.



Australia – A Commonwealth
Date: 1 January 1901
Description:

Before 1901, Australia was made up of six colonies. On this day in 1901, the six colonies joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
Web links:

Documenting Democracy

Australia’s Centenary of Federation
Teaching and learning activities:

Centenary of Federation - Debates that shaped the nation 

HistorySmiths

Discovering Democracy Units

First Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 1 January 1901
Description:

One of the key architects of Australia’s Constitution, Edmund Barton, became Australia’s first Prime Minister on this day in 1901.  

Term of Office: 1 January 1901 – 24 September 1903  
Web links:

Australia’s Prime Ministers - Edmund Barton  

Australia’s Prime Ministers - Spouse (Jane Barton)  

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Two new territories for Australia
Date: 1 January 1911
Description:

The Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory were formally transferred to the Commonwealth on this day in 1911.
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Making a Nation (Secondary)

SBS begins
Date: 1 January 1978
Description:

SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) began providing a multilingual broadcasting and television service on this day in 1978. SBS was established to give voice and exposure to multicultural Australia; to define, foster and celebrate Australia's cultural diversity.
Web links:

SBS Website

Birth of the Internet in Australia
Date: 1 January 1983
Description:

The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) standard was adopted on this day in 1983. This decision would enable Australians to access the information highway in the coming decades.

Fault-free divorce passed
Date: 1 January 1975
Description:

The principle of no-fault divorce in Australian law was passed on this day in 1975. This meant that the Court no longer considered which partner was at fault in the marriage breakdown. The only grounds for divorce would now be the irretrievable breakdown of a relationship demonstrated by 12 months' physical separation.
Web links:

Australian Parliamentary Library

Family Law Court

First Commonwealth stamp
Date: 2 January 1913
Description:

The first Commonwealth of Australia stamp appeared on this day in 1913. The new stamp was the subject of controversy as it featured a kangaroo and a map of Australia rather than the King of England.
Web links:

Australia Post
Teaching and learning activities:

Australia Post - Kangaroo and Map

Australia Post Education

Tenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 6 January 1932
Description:

Joseph Lyons was elected to the office of prime minister on this day in 1932. He was the first prime minister to win three successive elections. He was also the first Australian prime minister to die in office.

Term of Office: 6 January 1932 – 7 April 1939
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Joseph Lyons

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Enid Lyons)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: Joseph Lyons

Family Law Act enacted
Date: 6 January 1976
Description:

The Family Law Act was enacted on this day in 1976. The Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over all marriage-related cases in Australia, including divorces, custody, and access and property settlements.
Web links:

Family Court of Australia

Nineteenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 10 January 1968
Description:

John Gorton became Australia’s nineteenth Prime Minister on this day in 1968. He declared himself out of office after a tied party vote of confidence in his leadership in 1971.

Term of Office: 10 January 1968 - 10 March 1971
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - John Gorton

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Bettina Gorton)

Reserve Bank Act enacted
Date: 14 January 1960
Description:

The Reserve Bank Act was enacted on this day in 1960. The Reserve Bank controls Australia’s monetary policy.
 
Web links:

Reserve Bank of Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

Reserve Bank of Australia - Education

Australian citizenship created
Date: 26 January 1949
Description:

From the time of European settlement until 1949, anyone born or naturalised in Australia was a 'British subject'. The Nationality and Citizenship Act 1949, which came into being on this day in 1949, created Australian citizenship. Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated each year on 17 September.
Web links:

Australian Citizenship

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs - Australia Citizenship Day

Citizenship Pledge - Discovering Democracy
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education website - Australian Citizenship Activity 

Discovering Democracy - Activity (Primary)

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs - Resources for Teachers

The Good Citizen

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs - Get Into It! Quiz

Australian Citizenship Crossword

Australian Citizenship Quiz

The Good Citizen - Games

Seventeenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 26 January 1966
Description:

The seventeenth Prime Minister of Australia was Harold Holt. He is widely remembered for the unusual circumstances of his death while swimming off the Victorian coast in1967.

Term of Office: 26 January 1966 to 19 December 1967
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Harold Holt

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Zara Holt)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: Harold Holt

 

Aboriginal Tent Embassy erected
Date: 26 January 1972
Description:

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy was erected on this day in 1972. The embassy claims to represent the political rights of Australian Aborigines and resides on the lawn of Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Web links:

Parliament of Australia - Parliamentary Library

Australian Institute of Sport opened
Date: 26 January 1981
Description:

The Institute, which was officially opened on this day in 1981, is Australia’s internationally acclaimed national centre of sports excellence for the training and development of elite athletes and teams.
Web links:

Australian Institute of Sport
Teaching and learning activities:

Healthy active classroom

Australia Day
Date: 26 January 1788
Description:

Australia’s national day of celebration - a day for all Australians to celebrate our achievements and successes, to celebrate what is great about Australia, to celebrate the values that unite us, and to reflect on our nation's history and ways to make our country better. It is held on the 26 January, the establishment date of the first settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788.
Web links:

National Australia Day Council
Teaching and learning activities:

National Australia Day Council

Discovering Democracy Unit - We Remember (Teacher)

Polymer notes printed
Date: 26 January 1988
Description:

Australia created the world's first series of polymer currency notes and exported polymer note technology to many other countries.
Web links:

Reserve Bank of Australia

Canberra Design Competition
Date: 31 January 1912
Description:

On this day in 1912, applications closed for a contest to design Australia’s capital city. Out of 137 entries, the winning design was by Walter Burley Griffin.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

Reflections of a Nation: The history and design of our national capital (Secondary)

The Story of Our Nation's Capital (Primary)

Defending the skies now possible
Date: 31 January 1968
Description:

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) purchased its first plane on this day in 1929. 
Web links:

Royal Australian Air Force
Teaching and learning activities:

Defence 2020 (Teacher)

Royal Australian Air Force (Student)

Nauru gains independence
Date: 31 January 1968
Description:

In 1947, Nauru was placed under a United Nations trusteeship, with Australia having administrative power. Although Nauru became self-governing in 1966, it did not become an independent state until this day in 1968.
Web links:

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade


Medicare begins
Date: 1 February 1984
Description:

The Medicare health scheme began operating on this day in 1984. The Medicare scheme is financed by a 1.5 per cent levy on incomes.
Web links:

Medicare
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy - What Sort of Nation? (Secondary)

Federal Court established
Date: 1 February 1977
Description:

The Federal Court of Australia was established on this day in 1977 with the passing of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976.
Web links:

Federal Court of Australia

World Wetlands Day
Date: 2 February 1971
Description:

This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, on this day in 1971. The day aims to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Web links:

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Teaching and learning activities:

Department of  Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities - World Wetlands Day

Queen of Australia proclaimed
Date: 6 February 1952
Description:

On the death of her father, King George VI, Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen. The Queen was crowned in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.
Web links:

Civics and Citizenship Education website
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy - Parliament versus Monarch(Primary)

Australian Antarctic Territory proclaimed
Date: 7 February 1933
Description:

Douglas Mawson formally proclaimed the Australian Antarctic Territory on this day in 1933. The Australian Antarctic Territory Acceptance Act came into effect from 24 August 1936.
Web links:

Australian Antarctic Division
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian Antarctic Division - Educational Resources

Eighth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 9 February 1923
Description:

Stanley Bruce became Australia’s eighth Prime Minister on this day in 1923. He led the first all Australian-born Federal Cabinet. He is also one of only two Prime Ministers to lose their seats while in office.

Term of office: 9 February 1923 - 22 October 1929
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Stanley Bruce

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Ethel Bruce)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: Stanley Bruce

First woman Speaker
Date: 10 February 1986
Description:

Joan Child became the first female Speaker of either House of the federal parliament when she was appointed to the House of Representatives on this day in 1986.

Australia as a republic?
Date: 13 February 1998
Description:

On this day in 1998, it was decided that a proposal for a republic with a president appointed by parliament be put to the people. At the referendum held on 6 November 1999, Australians rejected this model.
Web links:

ABC Online - Constitutional Convention
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education website

Discovering Democracy Unit - Making a Nation (Secondary)

Constitutional Convention - Education notes

Dollars and cents introduced
Date: 14 February 1966
Description:

Decimal currency was introduced to Australia on this day in 1966. The series of currency notes were distinctly Australian and captured the nation’s emerging social and cultural diversity and its contribution to the wider world.
Web links:

Reserve Bank of Australia

Flag given Royal Assent
Date: 14 February 1954
Description:

The Flags Act 1953 was given Royal Assent on this day in 1954. This officially confirmed the Commonwealth blue ensign, first flown on 3 September 1901, as the Australian national flag.
Web links:

Australian National Flag Association
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian National Flag Association - Teachers Notes

Making communication easy
Date: 22 February 1974
Description:

The Australian Postal Commission and Australian Telecommunications Commission were established on this day in 1974.

Australian Mint opened
Date: 22 February 1965
Description:

The Royal Australian Mint was officially opened in Canberra on this day in 1965. The Mint is commissioned to produce Australia’s decimal coinage.
Web links:

Royal Australian Mint
Teaching and learning activities:

Royal Australian Mint - Education

Voting age lowered to 18
Date: 28 February 1973
Description:

The Commonwealth Electoral Act lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 18 on this day in 1973.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian Electoral Commission – Education


Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme commences
Date: 1 March 1953
Description:

The Australian Government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) commenced on this day in 1953. It has provided reliable, timely and affordable access to a wide range of medicines for all Australians.
Web links:

Department of Health and Ageing

Australian Acts of Parliament become independent
Date: 2 March 1986
Description:

Australian law became independent of British parliaments and courts on this day in 1986. The Australia Acts ended the inclusion in Australian law of British Acts of Parliament, and abolished remaining provisions for appeals from Australian courts to the Privy Council in London.
Web links:

Australia Act

Neighbourhood Watch begins
Date: 4 March 1983
Description:

Neighbourhood Watch, the community-based crime prevention program, was launched on this day in 1983.
Web links:

Neighbourhood Watch

Clean Up Australia Day
Date: 4 March 1990
Description:

Clean Up Australia Day is held on the first Sunday in March each year. It was instigated by Ian Kiernan and the first Clean Up Australia Day was held in 1990. Every year hundreds of Australians help clean up their local environment. Individuals, local groups and schools can either organise a Clean Up site or volunteer to join an existing site.
Web links:

Clean Up Australia Day
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Joining In (Primary)

Discovering Democracy - Clean Up Australia Day

International Women's Day
Date: 8 March 1975
Description:

On this day, women can come together to celebrate their day. They can look back on a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development. In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day. 
Web links:

United Nations

Freedom of Information Act
Date: 9 March 1982
Description:

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 was assented to by the Governor-General, in the name of Her Majesty, on this day. It is an Act to give to members of the public rights of access to official documents of the Government of the Commonwealth and of its agencies. Substantial changes to the Freedom of Information Act Act commenced in 2010. The Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010 and the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Act 2010 passed through the Parliament on 13 May 2010. Both Acts received Royal Assent on 31 May 2010.

 
Web links:

Attorney-General's Department: Freedom of Information

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

 

Twentieth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 10 March 1971
Description:

William McMahon was Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972.

Term of office: 10 March 1971 - 5 December 1972
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - William McMahon

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Sonia McMahon)

Twenty-third Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 11 March 1983
Description:

With eight years in office, Bob Hawke is Australia’s longest-serving Labor Prime Minister. He became the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia on this day in 1983.

Term of office: 11 March 1983 - 20 December 1991
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Bob Hawke

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Hazel Hawke)

Twenty-fifth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 11 March 1996
Description:

John Howard became Prime Minister of Australia on this day in 1996. He was Australia’s second longest-serving Prime Minister after Robert Menzies. He also became the second Australian prime minister to lose his seat, the first being Stanley Melbourne Bruce in 1929.

Term of office: 11 March 1996 - 3 December 2007
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - John Howard

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Janette Howard)
Teaching and learning activities:


Canberra founded
Date: 12 March 1913
Description:

This day commemorates and celebrates the official founding of Canberra on this day in 1913.
Web links:

Celebrate Canberra

Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples
Date: 13 March 2008
Description:

On 13 February 2008 the then Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, moved a motion of Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples with specific reference to the Stolen Generations. The Apology passed with bipartisan support from the Parliament.
Web links:

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs - Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education: Indigenous Rights and Human Rights

ASIO established
Date: 16 March 1949
Description:

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) was established on this day in 1949. ASIO is Australia’s national security service.
Web links:

ASIO Homepage

Harmony Day
Date: 21 March 1999
Description:

Harmony Day began in 1999 and is an Australian Government initiative designed to promote community harmony, build relationships between people and address racism where it occurs in Australia. It is celebrated around Australia on 21 March each year. The day is also the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Web links:

Harmony Day Homepage
Teaching and learning activities:

Harmony Day - Teacher

Harmony Day - Student

An Indigenous promotion
Date: 29 March 1984
Description:

Charles Perkins became the first Indigenous person to head a Commonwealth department on this day in 1984. He was appointed Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
Web links:

Australian Biography - Charles Perkins

National Archives of Australia - Charles Perkins

Norfolk Island proclaimed a Commonwealth Territory
Date: 30 March 1913
Description:

Originally under the governance of Tasmania, Norfolk Island gained partial autonomy on this day in 1913, when the island was brought under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Industrial Relations Court established
Date: 30 March 1994
Description:

An Act of Parliament established the Industrial Relations Court (IRC)of Australia on this day in 1994. The IRC took over the functions of the Industrial Division of the Federal Court of Australia. However, this arrangement was altered when industrial relations were restructured in 1997.

First census conducted
Date: 31 March 1901
Description:

The first Australian census conducted on a uniform basis was taken on this day in 1901. Some differences in the interpretation of data arose between the States, and the method of presentation of the results differed considerably. To provide greater coordination, the Census and Statistics Act 1905 was passed on 8 December 1905.
Teaching and learning activities:

Census at School - Teacher

Census at School - Student


Eleventh Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 7 April 1939
Description:

Earle Page became Australia’s eleventh Prime Minister on this day in 1939; however, he was only Prime Minister for 20 days. Page was also founder of the Country Party (now National Party).

Term of office: 7 April 1939 to 26 April 1939
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Earle Page

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Ethel Page)

Interstate Direct Dial Up becomes reality
Date: 9 April 1962
Description:

Telephone callers would no longer require the assistance of an operator to dial interstate numbers with the completion of a coaxial cable linking Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne on this day in 1962.

National Service begins
Date: 12 April 1951
Description:

With the Cold War intensifying, the National Service Act 1951 required all males turning 18 on or after 1 November 1950, to undertake national service for a period of 176 days. The first call-up notice was issued on this day in 1951.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Report released
Date: 15 April 1991
Description:

The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody released its final report on this day in 1991. The Commission investigated the deaths of 99 Aboriginal prisoners between 1980 and 1989.

Web links:

National Archives of Australia

National Archives of Australia - Aboriginal deaths in custody

National Anthem proclaimed
Date: 19 April 1984
Description:

'Advance Australia Fair' was proclaimed as the national anthem on this day in 1984. The previous national anthem used was 'God Save the Queen/King'.
Web links:

It's an Honour
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - We Remember (Primary)

ANZAC Day
Date: 25 April 1915
Description:

The ANZAC tradition - with its ideals of courage, endurance and mateship - was established on this day in 1915 when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey. It was the start of a campaign that lasted eight months and resulted in some 25,000 Australian casualties, including 8,700 who were killed or died of wounds or disease.
Web links:

Department of Veteran's Affairs
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian War Memorial

Conference to establish United Nations (UN)
Date: 25 April 1945
Description:

The San Francisco conference to establish the United Nations opened on this day in 1945. Replacing the League of Nations, the UN was established to promote international peace. Its charter was signed on 26 June 1945.
Web links:

United Nations: Cyberschoolbus
Teaching and learning activities:

United Nations

Twelfth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 26 April 1939
Description:

Robert Menzies became Australia’s twelfth Prime Minister on this day in 1939. Menzies, who was Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister (his two periods in office totalled 17 years, 5 months and 10 days), founded the Liberal Party in 1944.

Terms of office: 26 April 1939 - 29 August 1941; 19 December 1949 - 26 January 1966
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Robert Menzies

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Pattie Menzies)
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit – Men and Women in Political Life (Secondary)

Third Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 27 April 1904
Description:

Chris Watson was elected to the office of Prime Minister on this day in 1904. He held the office for only four months.

Term of office: 27 April 1904 - 18 August 1904
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Chris Watson

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Ada Watson)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Fisher becomes Prime Minister for second time
Date: 29 April 1910
Description:

Andrew Fisher began his second term as Australian Prime Minister on this day in 1910. Andrew Fisher was Prime Minister of Australia three times.

Terms of office: 13 November 1908 - 2 June 1909; 29 April 1910 - 24 June 1913; 17 September 1914 - 27 October 1915
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Andrew Fisher

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Margaret Fisher)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

ANZUS Treaty signed
Date: 29 April 1952
Description:

The ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand and United States) Treaty came into force on this day in 1952. The treaty outlined a military alliance which saw the three countries cooperate on defence matters in the Pacific Ocean area. The treaty remained in place until 1986.
Web links:

Australian War Memorial


Moratorium protest
Date: 4 May 1970
Description:

The first anti-Vietnam War Moratorium took place on this day in 1970. More than 120,000 people took part in the Moratorium which openly expressed opposition against the Vietnam War.
Web links:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: 80 days that changed our lives

Coat of Arms granted
Date: 7 May 1908
Description:

Australia's first Coat of Arms was granted by King Edward VII by Royal Warrant on this day in 1908.

Amendments incorporating references to the States were approved by King George V by Royal Warrant on 19 September 1912.
Web links:

Australian Parliamentary Library
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - We Remember (Primary)

Opening of the First Parliament
Date: 9 May 1901
Description:

The Duke of York (later King George V) opened the first Parliament at the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne on this day in 1901.
Web links:

Museum Victoria - Royal Exhibition Building

Parliament House: Mark I opened
Date: 9 May 1927
Description:

The first sitting of Parliament in Canberra was opened by the Duke of York (later King George VI) in this building on this day in 1927. The building was to serve as a provisional Parliament House for fifty years, before the establishment of a permanent Parliament House in 1988.
Web links:

Old Parliament House

National Archives of Australia – Parliament House Canberra, 1927

New Parliament House opened
Date: 9 May 1988
Description:

Queen Elizabeth II opened Australia’s new, permanent Parliament House on Capital Hill in Canberra on this day in 1988.
Web links:

Parliament of Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

PEO: Parliamentary Education Office

Proportional representation adopted in the Senate
Date: 11 May 1948
Description:

The Commonwealth Electoral Act of 1948 provided for the adoption of proportional representation in the Senate. The first Senate election using this new system took place in 1949.
Web links:

Electoral Council of Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Should the People Rule? (Secondary)

Labour Day
Date: 12 May 1856
Description:

Labour Day celebrates the 'Eight Hour Working Day'. A victory march by workers was held in Melbourne on 12 May 1856 to celebrate an agreement with employers for a 48 hour week. Labour Day is held in March in Tasmania (Eight Hours Day), Victoria and Western Australia; in May in Queensland and the Northern Territory; and in October in New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
Web links:

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: About Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education website - People Power (Primary)

Discovering Democracy Unit - People Power (Primary)

Walter Burley Griffin wins Canberra design competition
Date: 14 May 1912
Description:

From 137 entries, Walter Burley Griffin wins a competition to design our nation’s capital. The winner was announced on this day in 1912.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

Reflections of a Nation: The History and Design of Our National Capital (Secondary)

The Story of Our Nation's Capital (Primary)

$1 coin introduced
Date: 14 May 1984
Description:

The $1 note ceased to be issued following the introduction of a $1 coin on this day in 1984.
Web links:

Reserve Bank of Australia

Atomic testing at Maralinga begins
Date: 16 May 1956
Description:

The British Government, with the agreement and support of Australia, carried out nuclear tests in Australia in the 1950s and early 1960s. Maralinga was developed as the permanent testing ground site and was completed on this day in 1956.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

First Aboriginal parliamentarian elected
Date: 24 May 1971
Description:

Neville Bonner became the first Aboriginal parliamentarian on this day in 1971. Senator Bonner served in both the McMahon (1971–1972) and Fraser (1975–1983) governments.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

High Court building opened
Date: 24 May 1980
Description:

The High Court of Australia building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on this day in 1980. The High Court is the highest court in the Australian judicial system.
Web links:

High Court of Australia

'Bringing Them Home' Report tabled
Date: 26 May 1997
Description:

On this day in 1997, Prime Minister John Howard tabled the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s report on the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. The report was entitled Bringing Them Home (BTH).
Web links:

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - BTH education module

1967 Referendum: Right Wrongs, Write Yes for Aborigines
Date: 27 May 1967
Description:

On this day in 1967, a referendum was held to alter the Constitution so that the Commonwealth Government could make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and so that they could be counted in the census. For many, this referendum was also seen as a symbolic opportunity to afford the same status to Indigenous people as that enjoyed by other Australian citizens.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

Australian Parliamentary Library
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education: The 1967 Referendum

Discovering Democracy Units


Deakin elected Prime Minister for third time
Date: 2 June 1909
Description:

Alfred Deakin became Australia’s Prime Minister for a third time on this day in 1909. Deakin was elected to the office of Prime Minister three times in the first ten years of Federation.

Terms of office: 24 September 1903 - 27 April 1904; 5 July 1905 - 13 November 1908; 2 June 1909 - 29 April 1910
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Alfred Deakin

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Pattie Deakin)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Mabo Case concludes
Date: 3 June 1992
Description:

Ten years after the case began, the High Court’s judgement was handed down on this day in 1992, thereby inserting Native Title into Australian law. This led to the Native Title Act in 1993, which enabled Indigenous people throughout Australia to claim traditional rights to unalienated land.
Web links:

Museum of Australian Democracy
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Law (Secondary)

Metric Conversion Board established
Date: 4 June 1970
Description:

The Metric Conversion Board was established on this day in 1970 to implement the gradual transfer from imperial weights and measures to the ‘new’ metric system.
Web links:

National Measurement Institute

World Environment Day
Date: 5 June 1972
Description:

World Environment Day has been commemorated each year on this day since 1972, and is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
Web links:

United Nations

Income Tax goes Federal
Date: 7 June 1942
Description:

The Commonwealth took the power to levy personal income tax from the States on this day in 1942 with the Enactment of the Income Tax (War-time Arrangements) Act.
Web links:

Australian Taxation Office

Old Age Pensions Act passed
Date: 10 June 1908
Description:

The Old Age Pensions Act was passed on this day in 1908. The Act entitled people over the age of 65 to a 26-pound-a-year benefit.
Web links:

Centrelink
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - What Sort of Nation? (Secondary)

Racial Discrimination Act enacted
Date: 11 June 1975
Description:

The Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act came into force on this day in 1975, providing legislative endorsement of Australia's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Web links:

Australian Human Rights Commission

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education - Racism and human rights (Secondary)

Women win right to vote and to stand
Date: 12 June 1902
Description:

The Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902 came into effect on this day in 1902. The Act allowed Australian women (with the exception of Indigenous women) the right to vote and to stand in a federal election.  Australia was the first nation in the world to give women both of these rights.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education website

Discovering Democracy Unit - Democratic Struggles (Secondary)

Equal pay for women – almost
Date: 19 June 1969
Description:

The Industrial Relations and Arbitration Commission decided on this day in 1969 that pay parity between men and women would be achieved through incremental increases. Parity was finally achieved in 1972.
Web links:

Australian Human Rights Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education website - People Power (Primary)

Discovering Democracy Unit - People Power (Primary)

$2 coin introduced
Date: 20 June 1988
Description:

The $2 note was withdrawn following the introduction of a $2 coin on this day in 1988.
Web links:

Reserve Bank of Australia

CSIRO established
Date: 22 June 1926
Description:

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) was established on this day in 1926. The CSIRO develops and improves new and existing technologies in Australia and overseas.
Web links:

CSIRO

Sixth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 24 June 1913
Description:

Joseph Cook became Australia’s sixth Prime Minister on this day in 1913.

Term of office: 24 June 1913 – 17 September 1914
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers – Joseph Cook

Australia's Prime Ministers – Spouse (Mary Cook)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Twenty-sixth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 24 June 2010
Description:

Julia Gillard is the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in Australia. She was elected unopposed by the Parliamentary Labor Party.

Term of office:  24 June 2010 – Present

 
Web links:

Prime Minister of Australia

Australia's Prime Ministers - Julia Gillard

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Tim Mathieson)

Final Court of Appeal
Date: 25 June 1982
Description:

The High Court of Australia became the final court of appeal on this day in 1982.
Web links:

High Court of Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Units


Australian Broadcasting Corporation established
Date: 1 July 1932
Description:

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was established on this day in 1932. The ABC is Australia's major public broadcaster, broadcasting in a variety of media, including through national radio and television networks, a digital television network, and on the Internet.   
Web links:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Commonwealth Aid Roads Act enacted
Date: 1 July 1954
Description:

The Commonwealth Aid Roads Act was enacted on this day in 1954. Seven pence from each gallon (3.78 litres) of petrol was gathered to pay for road works. Today motorists pay a 38.143 cents a litre excise for fuel (plus 10% GST).
Web links:

Australian Institute of Petroleum

Medibank begins
Date: 1 July 1975
Description:

Australia’s first national health insurance scheme began on this day in 1975. Medibank was later replaced by Medicare in 1984.
Web links:

Discovering Democracy Unit - What Sort of Nation? (Secondary)

Northern Territory achieves self-government
Date: 1 July 1978
Description:

Although the Northern Territory had been bestowed a fully elected legislative assembly in 1974, real power remained with the Commonwealth until the law was enacted on this day in 1978.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

Goods and Services Tax introduced
Date: 1 July 2000
Description:

A goods and services tax (GST) was introduced on this day in 2000 as part of the Commonwealth Government’s tax reform program. The GST was aimed at redressing the effects of declining revenue from income tax.
Web links:

Australian Taxation Office

Deakin elected Prime Minister for second time
Date: 5 July 1908
Description:

Alfred Deakin became Australia’s Prime Minister for a second time on this day in 1908. Deakin was elected to the office of Prime Minister three times in the first ten years of Federation.

Terms of office: 24 September 1903 - 27 April 1904; 5 July 1905 -13 November 1908; 2 June 1909 - 29 April 1910
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Alfred Deakin

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Pattie Deakin)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Fifteenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 6 July 1945
Description:

Frank Forde became Australia’s fifteenth Prime Minister on this day in 1945, after the death of John Curtin. He held the position for eight days.

Term of office: 6-13 July 1945
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Frank Forde

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Vera Forde)

Polymer notes introduced
Date: 7 July 1992
Description:

The trial of the polymer note technology was judged a great success. A complete series of polymer notes from $5 to $100 was issued between 1992 and 1996.
Web links:

Reserve Bank of Australia

Sixteenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 13 July 1945
Description:

Ben Chifley became Australia’s sixteenth Prime Minister on this day in 1945.

Term of office: 13 July 1945 - 19 December 1949
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Ben Chifley

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Elizabeth Chifley)
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Men and Women in Political Life (Secondary)

Aboriginal Flag proclaimed
Date: 14 July 1995
Description:

The Aboriginal Flag was officially proclaimed a ‘Flag of Australia’ on this day in 1995. The flag was designed in 1971 to be an eye-catching rallying symbol for the Aboriginal people and a symbol of their race and identity. The black represents the Aboriginal people, the red the earth and their spiritual relationship to the land, and the yellow the sun, the giver of life.
Web links:

Ausflag - Aboriginal Flag

Torres Strait Islander Flag proclaimed
Date: 14 July 1995
Description:

The Torres Strait Islander Flag was officially proclaimed a ‘Flag of Australia’ on this day in 1995. The flag, which had been in use since 1992, is emblazoned with a white Dari (headdress) which is a symbol of Torres Strait Islanders. The white five-pointed star beneath it symbolises the five major island groups and the navigational importance of stars to these seafaring people.
Web links:

Ausflag - Torres Strait Islander Flag

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) established
Date: 19 July 1911
Description:

King George V granted the title of 'Royal Australian Navy' to the Commonwealth Naval Forces on this day in 1911.
Web links:

Royal Australian Navy

Royal Australian Navy - Virtual Tour

Post-war migration wave begins
Date: 21 July 1947
Description:

The Minister for Immigration, Arthur Calwell, signed an agreement with the United Nations on this day in 1947 to accept Europeans who had been displaced due to the ravages of World War II.
Web links:

Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - What Sort of Nation? (Secondary)

Compulsory voting introduced
Date: 25 July 1924
Description:

Voting in federal elections was made compulsory on this day in 1924.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Democratic Struggles (Secondary)

Civics and Citizenship Education website - Voting: should you have to? (Primary)

National gemstone proclaimed
Date: 28 July 1993
Description:

The opal was officially proclaimed Australia's national gemstone in 1993. The environmental conditions necessary for opal to form are more common in Australia than elsewhere. Australia produces 95 per cent of the world’s opals.
Web links:


National Tree Day
Date: 30 July 2006
Description:

National Tree Day is Australia's biggest community tree-planting event. It is held annually on the last Sunday in July.


Schools Tree Day is held annually on the last Sunday in July.
Web links: Planet Ark


Equal opportunity for men and women
Date: 3 August 1984
Description:

The Sex Discrimination Act came into force on this day in 1984, providing equal rights on the basis of gender.
Web links:

Australian Human Rights Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Units

Civics and Citizenship Education website - People Power (Primary)

Australians at war
Date: 4 August 1914
Description:

Britain declared war on Germany on this day in 1914 and, as a consequence, Australia, as well as all other British Dominions, was now also at war. World War I concluded on 11 November, 1918. 

Prime Minister Andrew Fisher, said at the beginning of the War that Australians would 'stand beside our own' and 'defend Britain to our last man and our last shilling'.
Web links:

Australian War Memorial
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian War Memorial - Education

National Library of Australia opened
Date: 15 August 1968
Description:

The National Library of Australia was officially opened on this day in 1968. The Library is the country's largest reference library. Its role is to ensure that documentary resources of national significance relating to Australia and the Australian people, as well as significant non-Australian library materials, are collected, preserved and made accessible either through the Library itself or through collaborative arrangements with other libraries and information providers.
Web links:

National Library of Australia

Fourth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 18 August 1904
Description:

As Australia’s fourth Prime Minister, George Reid came to power on this day in 1904. He was the only Australian to serve in all three legislatures - colonial, Commonwealth and British.

Term of office: 18 August 1904 - 5 July 1905
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - George Reid

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Florence Reid)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Thirteenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 29 August 1941
Description:

As Australia’s thirteenth Prime Minister, Arthur Fadden led the country for '40 days and 40 nights'.  He became Prime Minster on this day in 1941.

Term of office: 29 August - 7 October 1941
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Arthur Fadden

Australia's Prime Minsiters - Spouse (Ilma Fadden)


National Wattle Day
Date: 1 September 1988
Description:

Australia’s national floral emblem, the Golden Wattle, was proclaimed on this day in 1988. On the advice of the Government, the Governor-General proclaimed (on 23 June 1992) that 1 September each year was to be observed as ‘National Wattle Day’ throughout Australia.
Web links:

Parliament of Australia: Parliamentary Library
Teaching and learning activities:

Wattle Day website

National Flag Day
Date: 3 September 1901
Description:

Commemorates the day in 1901 on which the Australian National Flag was first flown. The event took place at the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne in the presence of Australia’s first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton.
Web links:

Australian National Flag Association
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian National Flag Association (includes multimedia)

Parliamentary Education Office

Australia at war – again
Date: 3 September 1939
Description:

Britain declared war on Germany on this day in 1939, and, as a consequence, Australia, as well as all other British Dominions, was now also at war. World War II concluded in the Pacific on 15 August, 1945 (and 8 May, 1945 in Europe).

Prime Minister Robert Menzies said at the time: 'Britain's peace is precious to us because her peace is ours. If she is at war, we are at war ... The British countries of the world must stand together or fall together.'
Web links:

Australian War Memorial
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian War Memorial - Education

First woman Governor-General of Australia
Date: 5 September 2008
Description:

On this day Quentin Bryce became Australia’s twenty-fifth Governor-General and the first woman to take up the office.
Web links:

Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Television begins in Australia
Date: 16 September 1956
Description:

Bruce Gyngell appeared on the first official TV broadcast, at TCN9 Sydney, on this day in 1956. The first words spoken on television were: 'Good evening and welcome to television.'
Web links:

National Film and Sound Archive
Teaching and learning activities:

National Film and Sound Archive - Learning

Papua New Guinea gains independence
Date: 16 September 1975
Description:

Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia on this day in 1975. Australia had been granted trusteeship of Papua and New Guinea after World War II in 1946.
Web links:

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Fisher becomes Prime Minister for third time
Date: 17 September 1914
Description:

Andrew Fisher began his third term as Australian Prime Minister on this day in 1914. Andrew Fisher was Prime Minister of Australia three times.

Terms of office: 13 November 1908 - 2 June 1909; 29 April 1910 - 24 June 1913;  17 September 1914 - 27 October 1915
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Andrew Fisher

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Margaret Fisher)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Australian Citizenship Day
Date: 17 September 1948
Description:

Australian Citizenship Day commemorates the date on which the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 was renamed the Australian Citizenship Act 1948. It is an occasion to celebrate our democratic values and commitment to a fair go, equality and respect for each other. Australian Citizenship Day was first celebrated on this day in 2001.
Web links:

Australian Citizenship

Department of Immigration and Citizenship  – Australia Citizenship Day
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education:  Australian Citizenship (Secondary)

Discovering Democracy Unit - Stories of the People and Rulers (Primary)

The Good Citizen

Department of Immigration and Citizenship - Teacher resources

Coat of Arms granted
Date: 19 September 1908
Description:

The Coat of Arms was first granted by King Edward VII in 1908. Amendments incorporating specific references to the States were approved, on the recommendation of the Commonwealth Government, by King George V by Royal Warrant on this day in 1912.
Web links:

Parliament of Australia: Parliamentary Library

First woman in the House
Date: 23 September 1943
Description:

Dame Enid Lyons became the first woman in the House of Representatives when she won the seat of Darwin (later Braddon) on this day in 1943.
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Wives (Enid Lyons)
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Men and Women in Political Life (Secondary)

Second Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 24 September 1903
Description:

Alfred Deakin became Australia’s second Prime Minister on this day in 1903. Deakin was elected to the office of Prime Minister three times in the first ten years of Federation.

Terms of office: 24 September 1903 - 27 April 1904; 5 July 1905 - 13 November 1908; 2 June 1909 - 29 April 1910
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Alfred Deakin

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Pattie Deakin)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Social security system established
Date: 28 September 1946
Description:

Following a successful referendum result to amend the Constitution, the Commonwealth established a national social security system on this day in 1946. The Commonwealth now had the power to provide maternity allowances, widows pensions, child endowment, unemployment, pharmaceutical, sickness and hospital benefits, medical and dental services, and student and family allowances.
Web links:

Centrelink
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - What Sort of Nation? (Secondary)


Christmas Island proclaimed
Date: 1 October 1958
Description:

The Christmas Island Act was proclaimed on this day in 1958. The Act meant that part of Australia was now located in the Indian Ocean, 2,623 kilometres northwest of Perth.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

Handing back Uluru
Date: 1 October 1984
Description:

Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen formally handed the title deeds to the Uluru area to the traditional owners of the land on this day in 1984. The arrangement required a lease-back to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and joint management by members of the local Mutitjulu community.

National Film and Sound Archive opened
Date: 3 October 1984
Description:

The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) was officially opened on this day in 1984. The NFSA collects, preserves and shares Australia's film, video, television, stills and recorded sound from early history through to today.
Web links:

National Film and Sound Archive
Teaching and learning activities:

National Film and Sound Archive - Learning

Commonwealth Electoral Act passed
Date: 4 October 1918
Description:

Preferential voting for the House of Representatives and the Senate was introduced with the enactment of the Commonwealth Electoral Act on this day in 1918. The Act also established a common roll for State and federal elections.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Should the People Rule? (Secondary)

High Court of Australia established
Date: 6 October 1903
Description:

The High Court of Australia was established on this day in 1903. The functions of the High Court are to interpret and apply the law of Australia and to decide cases of special federal significance, including challenges to the constitutional validity of laws. The High Court only became the final court of appeal in Australia on this day in 1982.
Web links:

High Court of Australia
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Units

Enrolment in federal elections becomes compulsory
Date: 6 October 1911
Description:

Compulsory enrolment was introduced for all federal elections on this day in 1911.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education website - Voting: should you have to? (Primary)

Fourteenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 7 October 1941
Description:

John Curtin was elected as Australia’s 14th Prime Minister on this day in 1941. He died in office, on 5 July 1945, just six weeks before the end of the war in the Pacific.

Term of office: 7 October 1941 - 5 July 1945
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - John Curtin

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Elsie Curtin)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: John Curtin

Australian Refugee Advisory Council established
Date: 7 October 1979
Description:

The Australian Refugee Advisory Council was established on this day in 1979. The Council was established to advise the Government on the settlement of Indo-Chinese refugees ('boat people').

Australian National Gallery opened
Date: 12 October 1982
Description:

The Australian National Gallery was officially opened on this day in 1982. The Gallery houses the national collection comprising original works of art by Australian and international artists, with particular strengths in modern and contemporary works.
Web links:

Australian National Gallery
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian National Gallery - Education

Australian Federal Police established
Date: 19 October 1979
Description:

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) was established on this day in 1979. The AFP enforces Commonwealth criminal law, and protects Commonwealth and national interests from crime in Australia and overseas. The AFP is Australia's international law enforcement and policing representative, and the chief source of advice to the Australian Government on policing issues.
Web links:

Australian Federal Police

Ninth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 22 October 1929
Description:

James Scullin became Australia’s ninth Prime Minister on this day in 1929. He was the first Prime Minister to choose the Governor-General.

Term of office: 22 October 1929 - 6 January 1932
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - James Scullin

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Sarah Scullin)

First woman ambassador
Date: 23 October 1983
Description:

Rosaleen McGovern became the first woman to be appointed an Australian Ambassador on this day in 1983. She was Australia’s Ambassador to Sweden.

Seventh Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 27 October 1915
Description:

William Morris Hughes’ record term of office began on this day in 1915. He was Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister until Menzies.

Term of office: 27 October 1915 - 9 February 1923
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - William Morris Hughes

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Mary Hughes)

National Astrological Observatory opened
Date: 31 October 1961
Description:

The National Astrological Observatory (also known as ‘The Dish’) was officially opened on this day in 1961 in Parkes, NSW. The 64-metre radio telescope has assisted NASA in a number of lunar missions.
Web links:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Teaching and learning activities:

Australia Telescope Outreach and Education - The Dish: Fact or Fiction?


Indigenous people win the right to vote
Date: 1 November 1962
Description:

The Commonwealth Electoral Act was amended on this day in 1962, providing Indigenous people with the right to enrol and vote at federal elections.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission

Australian Electoral Commission - Indigenous Australians and the Vote
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Democratic Struggles (Secondary)

National Service Lottery introduced
Date: 5 November 1964
Description:

On this day in 1964, Cabinet decided to introduce a compulsory selective National Service scheme. The National Service Act 1964, (which was passed on 24 November), required 20-year-old males to serve in the Army for a period of twenty-four months of continuous service (reduced to eighteen months in 1971) followed by three years in the Reserve.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

Commonwealth Court of Conciliation & Arbitration
Date: 10 November 1905
Description:

Established under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act, the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration sat for the first time on this day in 1905. Its powers meant that it could make an award specifying wages and conditions of employment in settlement of an interstate dispute and that it could interpret and enforce the award. Since that time the institution has evolved in line with substantial legislative, social and economic changes, the most recent development being the passage of the Fair Work Act 2009 and the subsequent establishment of Fair Work Australia.
Web links:

Fair Work Australia

Australian Trade Union Archives

Remembrance Day
Date: 11 November 1918
Description:

This is the day Australians remember those who have died in war. In 1918 the armistice that ended World War I came into force, bringing to an end four years of hostilities that saw 61,919 Australians die at sea, in the air and on foreign soil. At 11am on 11 November we pause to remember the sacrifice of those men and women who have died or suffered in wars and conflicts and all those who have served during the past 100 years.
Web links:

Department of Veterans' Affairs
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian War Memorial - Education

Department of Veterans' Affairs - Education

Australian War Memorial officially opened
Date: 11 November 1941
Description:

The Australian War Memorial was officially opened on this day in 1941. The Memorial is a unique Australian national institution that combines a shrine, a world-class museum and an extensive archive.
Web links:

Australian War Memorial
Teaching and learning activities:

Australian War Memorial - Education

The Dismissal
Date: 11 November 1975
Description:

The Governor General Sir John Kerr dismissed the Whitlam Labor Government on this day in 1975. The dismissal and double dissolution election resolved a month-long dispute over the blocking of Supply by the Opposition-controlled Senate.
Web links:

Museum of Australian Democracy: Dismissed!
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education: The Dismissal of the Whitlam Government (Secondary)

Twenty-second Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 11 November 1975
Description:

Malcolm Fraser was Australia’s 22nd Prime Minister. He began his term as caretaker Prime Minister on this day in 1975, after Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Gough Whitlam.

Term of office: 11 November 1975 - 11 March 1983
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Malcolm Fraser

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Tamie Fraser)
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education: The Dismissal of the Whitlam Government (Secondary)

Sixth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 13 November 1908
Description:

Andrew Fisher began his 7-month term as the sixth Australian Prime Minister on this day in 1908. Andrew Fisher was Prime Minister of Australia three times.

Terms of office: 13 November 1908 – 2 June 1909; 29 April 1910 – 24 June 1913;  17 September 1914 – 27 October 1915
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Andrew Fisher

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Margaret Fisher)

Guide to the Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers: The First Six

Life Be In It begins
Date: 23 November 1977
Description:

The Life Be In It campaign began on this day in 1977. Life Be In It encourages everyone to be more active, have more fun, and increase his or her fitness.
Web links:

Life Be In It

Questacon
Date: 23 November 1988
Description:

Prime Minister Bob Hawke opened the National Science and Technology Centre on this day in 1988. Questacon is a joint Australia–Japan Bicentennial Project.
Web links:

Questacon


World AIDS Day
Date: 1 December 1988
Description:

Since 1988, the Australian Government and State and Territory governments have provided joint funding to support Australia's national World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week campaigns.
Web links:

World AIDS Day website

Australian Broadcasting Commission – Aids: Where are we now?

Birth of Australia Post
Date: 1 December 1901
Description:

The Australian Government established the Postmaster-General's Department on this day in 1901. Using stamps to pay for posted articles was placed in the hands of the Federal Government so as to provide a national postal service.
Web links:

Australia Post
Teaching and learning activities:

Australia Post Education

Antarctic Treaty
Date: 1 December 1959
Description:

The Antarctic Treaty was signed on this day in 1959. Activities in Antarctica and its surrounding seas are governed by this agreement. The treaty came into effect on 23 June 1961.
Web links:

Australian Antarctic Division
Teaching and learning activities:

Classroom Antarctica

Twenty-sixth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 3 December 2007
Description:

Kevin Rudd held office for two and a half years. His election win in November 2007 brought Labor back into power after 11 years in opposition.

Term of office:  3 December 2007 – 24 June 2010

 
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Kevin Rudd

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Thérèse Rein)

Twenty-first Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 5 December 1972
Description:

Gough Whitlam became Australia’s 21st Prime Minister on this day in 1972. Whitlam’s term of office came to an abrupt end when his government was dismissed by the Governor-General on 11 November 1975.

Term of office: 5 December 1972 – 11 November 1975
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Gough Whitlam

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Margaret Whitlam)

Museum of Australian Democracy: Dismissed!
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education: The Dismissal of the Whitlam Government (Secondary)

King Edward VIII abdicates
Date: 6 December 1936
Description:

King Edward took the unprecedented step of abdicating so that he could marry a divorced American woman, Mrs Wallis Simpson, on this day in 1936.
Web links:

National Archives of Australia

Floating of the Australian dollar
Date: 9 December 1983
Description:

The Australian Government deregulated the Australian dollar on this day in 1983. Instead of the Reserve Bank determining its value, the international money market now sets the exchange rate.
Web links:

Reserve Bank of Australia

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission established
Date: 10 December 1986
Description:

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (known as the Australian Human Rights Commission since 2008) was created on this day in 1986 when the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act came into effect.
Web links:

Australian Human Rights Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Human Rights (Secondary)

Discovering Democracy Unit - Human Rights - Teacher Notes

Civics and Citizenship Education website

Civics and Citizenship Education website

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Teacher info

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Order free resources

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Student info

 

The first referendum
Date: 12 December 1906
Description:

In order to change the Australian Constitution, all voters must have the opportunity to have a say. Australia’s first referendum, which was successful, was held on this day in 1906. The subject of the referendum was to enable elections for both Houses to be held concurrently.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission - Referendum dates and results (1906 - present)

Australia granted trusteeship of Papua and New Guinea
Date: 13 December 1946
Description:

Australia was granted trusteeship of Papua and New Guinea after World War II on this day in 1946. Papua New Guinea would not regain its independence from Australia until 1975.
Web links:

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Women stand and vote
Date: 16 December 1903
Description:

The 1903 federal election was the first election where women had the same rights as men to stand for parliament and to vote. On this day in 1903, Vida Goldstein, Nellie Martel and Mary Ann Bentley stood for the Senate. Selina Siggins stood for the seat of Dalley in the House of Representatives.
Web links:

Australian Electoral Commission
Teaching and learning activities:

Civics and Citizenship Education website - Votes for women (Secondary)

Discovering Democracy Unit - Men and Women in Political Life (Secondary)

Menzies Prime Minister for second time
Date: 19 December 1949
Description:

Robert Menzies began a 16-year term of office on this day in 1949 (he had previously held the office from 1939 to 1941). He was Prime Minister for over 17 years - still the record term of office for an Australian Prime Minister.

Terms of office: 26 April 1939 - 29 August 1941; 19 December 1949 - 26 January 1966
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Robert Menzies

Australia's Prime Ministers - Wives (Pattie Menzies)
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Unit - Men and Women in Political Life (Secondary)

Eighteenth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 19 December 1967
Description:

John McEwan became Prime Minister of Australia on this day in 1967 following the death of Harold Holt.

Term of office: 19 December 1967 to 10 January 1968
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - John McEwan

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Anne McEwan)

Department of Aboriginal Affairs created
Date: 19 December 1972
Description:

The Office of Aboriginal Affairs was upgraded to ministerial level when the Department of Aboriginal Affairs was created on this day in 1972.

Twenty-fourth Prime Minister of Australia
Date: 20 December 1991
Description:

Paul Keating succeeded Bob Hawke as Prime Minister in a leadership exchange in 1991.

Term of office: 20 December 1991 - 11 March 1996
Web links:

Australia's Prime Ministers - Paul Keating

Australia's Prime Ministers - Spouse (Annita Keating)

A White Australia
Date: 23 December 1901
Description:

The Immigration Restriction Act, which was enacted on this day in 1901, meant a dictation test was an effective way of creating a predominantly European population for Australia. This policy (often referred to as the ‘White Australia Policy') remained in place until 1966.
Web links:

Documenting Democracy - Immigration Restriction Act
Teaching and learning activities:

Discovering Democracy Units - What Sort of Nation? (Secondary)

 

Wik native title decided
Date: 23 December 1996
Description:

On this day in 1996, the Full High Court determined that pastoral leases did not extinguish native title. The Prime Minister proposed a ‘10-point plan’ in April 1997 in an attempt to allay pastoralists’ concerns about the implications of the judgement.