Canberra : The doors to the nation’s highest decision-making floors are set to open for the next generation of citizens, as Parliament House unlocks its chambers for a youth-focused celebration of 125 years of Federation.
These school holidays, Democracy! Kids in the House grants the public rare access to areas usually reserved for Australia’s presiding officers, ahead of the major milestone.
Set for Thursday, 9 July, the event allows visitors to explore the House of Representatives and Senate Chamber floors, and take part in hands-on activities that show how laws are made.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a fun role-play activity to re-enact various functions of Parliament and even get up close to the Australian National Flag that flies above Parliament House. A special unfurling demonstration will also include the opportunity for kids to help hold the flag.
Kids and adults can have their say by engaging with the ‘Use Your Voice’ interactive display, featuring prompts designed to spark their thinking, including the big question: what does democracy mean in their everyday lives?
The President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines, said the event would give children a rare chance to experience Parliament House from the inside and discover how they can participate in Australia’s democracy.
“Democracy! Kids in the House is a fantastic opportunity for younger people to see how Australian democracy works and learn how their voices can help shape the nation,” she said.
“They’ll get to see what it’s like to stand on the Chamber floors and see where our laws are made. For many young visitors, this could be a moment that sparks their interest in democracy.”
Friendly staff will be on hand to answer questions and help children understand the experience, bringing Australia’s democracy to life in an engaging and age‑appropriate way.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, said creating opportunities for the public to boost its civic literacy was vital to the health of Australia’s democracy.
“At the heart of a strong democracy is active and engaged citizens, which is why I am so proud that we are opening the doors and putting on special activities for our youngest Australians to celebrate and get involved,” he said.
“Celebrating 125 years of Federation is such an incredible milestone for our country. What better way to celebrate than at the Australian Parliament House?”
Food and drink will be available on the Queen’s Terrace, including the ever-popular “Democracy Sausage”, and parking in the Parliament House public carpark is free for the duration of the event.
Those who can’t make it on the day can still explore the Chambers via a virtual tour, view the Parliament House Art Collections online and access learning resources from the Parliamentary Education Office.
