The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has received Budget funding for an exhibition to educate Australians about the nation’s democratic history, its voting system and how they can play a more active and informed role in it.
The $6 million allocation will fund the design and curation of the interactive exhibition which will be located in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
The money will also go towards an upgrade of the National Electoral Education Centre, which hosts 90,000 students annually.
Minister for Finance, Senator Mathias Cormann said the exhibition would help the understanding of how Australia’s system of democracy works and was suitable for all ages on a self-tour basis.
“The AEC’s highly acclaimed National Education Centre has successfully taught many thousands of students about Australia’s democracy and electoral system since 2001, but there has never been a space for public visitors to Old Parliament House to have the same educational experience,” Senator Cormann said.
“This funding will also deliver upgrades at the Education Centre which will greatly improve the quality of group learning experiences, including by replacing out-of-date touch screen technology.”
He pointed out that Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories had recommended the Education Centre be resourced to also offer a walk-up experience for impromptu visitors.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ben Morton said it was fitting that the AEC’s new interactive exhibition be housed at Old Parliament House given its responsibility to educate, inspire and engage visitors.
“I am consistently impressed by the education program delivered by the AEC at their education centre, which generates both understanding of and enthusiasm for citizens’ roles in democracy through the electoral process,” Mr Morton said.
Assistant Minister for Finance, Charities and Electoral Matters, Senator Zed Seselja said the allocation would further enrich the visitor experience in the National Capital.
“There is no better place than Canberra to learn more about Australia’s electoral system and this investment will improve the knowledge base of visitors to Old Parliament House,” Senator Seselja said.
