Each year, the National Archives celebrates Constitution Day on 9 July.

Why celebrate the Australian Constitution?

The Australian Constitution is the single most important document in Australia’s history. It created the federal government and the states and made Australia one nation.

It outlines the powers of our federal and state governments, our court system, the frequency of elections, who can vote and stand for Parliament, and many things that affect our day-to-day lives.

The development and approval of the Australian Constitution was, for its time, a remarkably inclusive and democratic process.

It was drafted in the 1890s by the six then self-governing colonies of Great Britain that came together to form a nation:  New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The people of the colonies subsequently voted to ratify it. To come into effect, an act of the British Parliament (the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act) was passed in July 1900.

The Constitution is a living document. Amended and interpreted by succeeding generations since its creation, it continues to underpin all aspects of our daily lives. It empowers us as citizens of an evolving democratic nation.

Where can I see the Constitution?

Members of the public can see the original Constitution and the other key documents related to the birth of the Australian nation on display in the National Archives’ Federation Gallery in Canberra.

The Constitution, related documents and their history can also be seen online at Documenting a Democracy.

Why was 9 July chosen as Constitution Day?

This date was chosen as Constitution Day because it marks the birthday of Australia’s government, 9 July 1900. On that day, Queen Victoria signed a document (the Royal Commission of Assent) to make Australia’s Constitution Act into law.

How was Constitution Day celebrated in 2009?

Several events were held to mark Constitution Day in 2009. Chief Justice Robert French of the High Court of Australia launched No Common Creation, a display about the history of the High Court at the National Archives in Canberra, on 8 July.

On 9 July, citizenship ceremonies were held in each state capital, and new citizens were presented with information about the Australian Constitution.

In Canberra, members of the public toured the National Archives’ exhibitions and saw the Australian Constitution on display. A self-guided tour for families, called History Mystery, led children to the Constitution. All visitors were invited to take home a gift and share the Archives’ Constitution Cake.

What is planned for Constitution Day in 2010?

The National Archives is planning a broad program of events and activities to celebrate Constitution Day in 2010, including new interpretive material about the Constitution for the Federation Gallery in Canberra and this website.

There will be articles about the Constitution by prominent Australians, competitions, lectures and other events.

Watch this site for more information.