Prime ministers and politicians

Discover records about past prime ministers and politicians and the major events and policies of their governments.

Topics

A topic is a collection of records with interpretation and inquiry questions. Each topic is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and focuses on an aspect of Australian history.

Topic

Antarctica and imperialism

During the 1920s Australia and Britain became aware that several countries, including Norway and France, were intending to stake territorial claims in Antarctica.
Topic

The role of the Prime Minister in shaping Australia

Since Federation, prime ministers have played a critical role in the debate, development and implementation of government policies that have shaped Australia.
Topic

Women's rights

In 1902 Australia became the first country in the world to grant women of European heritage full suffrage – the right to vote and to stand for election. Despite this progress, discrimination against women remained commonplace.

Records

Each record focuses on a single item from the National Archives' collection. Some records contain extra information to help you interpret them.

Prime ministers and politicians

Topics

Antarctica and imperialism

The role of the Prime Minister in shaping Australia

Women's rights

Records

1967 Referendum results - Prime Minister Harold Holt responds in press release

American President Lyndon B Johnson on official visit to Australia

Announcement of 1967 referendum results in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette

Antarctic expedition – sailing orders for Douglas Mawson from Prime Minister Stanley Bruce

Anti-conscription leaflet

Anti-Female-Suffrage League memorandum to Prime Minister Barton regarding voting rights for women

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