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.

Records

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

Record

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

A speech made by Prime Minister Harold Holt on 28 May 1967, in response to Referendum results.
Record

American President Lyndon B Johnson on official visit to Australia

This photograph shows United States President Lyndon Baines Johnson among a crowd of people during an official visit to Australia in October 1966.
Record

Announcement of 1967 referendum results in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette

Notice in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of the results of the 1967 referendum.
Record

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

These secret notes were given to Sir Douglas Mawson providing sailing orders from Prime Minister Bruce in 1929.
Record

Anti-conscription leaflet

This is an anti-conscription leaflet produced in 1916 to promote the refusal of conscription under the William Morris Hughes government.
Record

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

This letter from the Anti-Female-Suffrage League to Prime Minister Barton criticises Barton’s support for voting rights for women.
Record

Appointment of the first women's adviser to a Prime Minister

The Whitlam Government was the first government in the world to appoint an adviser on women’s affairs.

Prime ministers and politicians

Topics

Antarctica and imperialism

The role of the Prime Minister in shaping Australia

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

Appointment of the first women's adviser to a Prime Minister

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