Permanent
> Duryea's Panorama
Travelling
> Blue Jeans and Jungle Greens
> Voice of the People
> Vote Yes
> Gallipoli
Event
> State History Conference 2008
> SA History Week 2008
> The Politics of Democracy in SA
> Tales of the City Essay Prize
> SA War Conference

The Voice of the People: Democracy Comes to South Australia

24th October 2006 - 30th November 2007

When the White Swan steamed into Port Adelaide on 24 October 1856, among her cargo was the official despatch giving royal assent to South Australia’s Constitution and Electoral Acts. That despatch features in this exhibition in the History Trust’s Exhibition Gallery at Torrens Parade Ground. The exhibition, a collaborative project of the History Trust of South Australia and the State Electoral Office, celebrates the sesquicentenary of responsible government in South Australia.

The exhibition explores the making and the significance of the Constitution and its companion Electoral Act, placing them in the social and political context of the 1850s. It examines how South Australia came to have the most radical Constitution and electoral system of the Australian colonies - a political system which included universal manhood suffrage, the secret ballot, and electoral districts based on population. The exhibition tells the stories of some of those who worked at shaping the Acts, and explains the enduring significance of their work. It also focuses on the conduct of the first election under the new system, held on 9 March 1857, and the resulting wholly elected parliament.

The exhibition goes on to trace the evolution of democracy in South Australia over the following 150 years, including women’s suffrage, the effect of Federation on Indigenous voters, and the eventual removal of property qualifications for the Legislative Council.

It includes original documents and artefacts, as well as images and text, to present the story of democracy in South Australia in an engaging and accessible manner.

For further information about the exhibition contact Kate Walsh or Mandy Paul, Community History Unit, History Trust of SA on telephone: 08 8203 9888 or email staff@history.sa.gov.au

Special Conference - The Politics of Democracy in South Australia

Teachers' Pack - Voice of the People exhibition

Teachers' Pack - Travelling display