Histories of Australian Democracy Working Paper

Since the early 2000s the compact between the people and government that underpins Australia’s democracy has come under stress from both within and without. But this is not the first time in Australian history that the democratic order has been challenged and remade. 

Since the arrival of the first European settler-colonists, there have been several periods in which the existing political order has come under stress and resulted in a renegotiation of the democratic compact. 

This paper explores the histories of Australian Democracy in key periods of change. It examines its strengths and identifies what matters most in times of uncertainty.

Download the Histories of Australian Democracy paper (PDF, 500mB) 

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.