Government and politics | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Government and politics

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Collection of various portraits, from groups of people to individuals, with the title 'The Memory Tapes' on a yellow back
The Memory Tapes

The Memory Tapes brings history to life through the voices of the people who lived it. Drawing on one of the nation’s most significant oral history collections, the series explores remarkable stories of resilience, innovation, creativity, migration, activism and everyday life. Narrated by oral historian Dr Shirleene Robinson AM, each episode combines firsthand accounts with expert storytelling to reveal the people behind Australia’s history.

Audio
Cover of The Australian diplomatic service: a career in the Department of External Affairs

Australia. Department of External Affairs, The Australian diplomatic service: a career in the Department of External Affairs, 1957 https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn877955 

Australian diplomacy

The history of Australian diplomacy is well-represented across our collections. You will find unique primary sources such as interviews and manuscript collections of diplomats reflecting their experiences and the greater context of world events.

Research guide
A promotional graphic featuring a collage of three diverse women, each in a different portrait style, alongside the text 'She Shapes History at the National Library of Australia.' The women are presented in black and white or muted tones, suggesting a focus on historical or influential figures. The overall design is modern and impactful, with the text prominently displayed on a pale pink background.
Why didn’t anyone tell me Australian history was interesting?

In this opening talk, Sita Sargeant was joined by Santilla Chingaipe, Jacinta Mackay, and Harini Rangarajan: three women who between them show what becomes possible when you go looking for the version of Australia that never made it into the textbooks.

Learning activity for adults
cover of book 'Australia : candidate for the United Nations Security Council 2013-14'

Australia : candidate for the United Nations Security Council 2013-14, Commonwealth of Australia, nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn5156785

United Nations research guide

Discover the extensive collection of official UN records and publications that twe provides access to.

Research guide
Cover page of 'Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2005 (No. 2)' document

Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2005 (No. 2), nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn3417323

Subordinate legislation

Learn more about these types of delegated and where to find them in our collections, relevant state or territory collecting institutions, and online.

Research guide
Black and white photo of the opening of Federal Parliament

[Opening of Federal Parliament, Canberra, 1929], nla.gov.au/nla.obj-137036932

Bills and explanatory memoranda

Learn what Bills and explanatory memoranda are, their purpose in the law-making process, and where they can be found.

Research guide
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Other states and territories legislation

Find out more about the legislation of the Australian states and territories.

Research guide
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Australian Capital Territory (ACT) legislation

Discover more about the legislation of the Australian Capital Territory.

Research guide
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Commonwealth legislation

Locate Commonwealth legislation online and in our collections, including point-in-time versions, reprints, and consolidated legislation.

Research guide
Six books about Australian legislation spread on a wooden table

Books on Australian legislation

The legal system

Find what constitutes law, how laws are made, and the different levels of legislation within Australia’s federal system of government.

Research guide
Photo of Old Parliament House, Canberra, with pink blossoms on surrounding trees

William James Mildenhall, Parliament House, Canberra, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-141452790

Australian legislation research guide

This guide explains how to find and access Australian legislation, organised by level of government (federal, state/territory, and local) and by type of law, including primary legislation (Acts or statutes) and delegated legislation (subordinate legislation). 

Research guide
A man in a suit and red tie stands at a lecturn in front of a blue curtain
Landslide: The 2025 Australian federal election

The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia hosted the launch of Landslide, published by ANU Press and edited by Marian Sawer, Jill Sheppard, and John Warhurst. Veteran journalist Nick Bryant and Professor Jill Sheppard had a conversation that could not be missed.

Event

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