Article: NineMSN News, Thursday 19th February, 2009

McInnes Thrilled With Democracy Museum

by Melissa Jenkins

All rugged up to brave the bitter Canberra winter as a boy, William McInnes' first brush with democracy didn't follow the script.

He had arrived at Old Parliament House - then Australia's functioning federal parliament - after a 48-hour bus trip from Queensland on a school excursion to the nation's capital.

The plan was to meet with his local member but unfortunately he was off doing "politician's business".

"But in his place was a large tray of sandwiches and to me, that has always been a fond memory of mine," McInnes told reporters in Canberra.

The actor, who has raised the pulses of many women across the nation, is best known for his turns as Sergeant Nick Schultz in Blue Heelers and Max Connors in Sea Change.

Now he can add another string to his bow - chair of the Old Parliament House Advisory Council, replacing former deputy prime minister, Doug Anthony.

McInnes was centre stage at Wednesday's announcement of a new Museum of Australian Democracy, to open at Old Parliament House on May 9.

The museum, to include objects such as George Washington's writing set and lamp, will have a multi-media focus and document how democracy evolved both internationally and in Australia.

"It will be a place, I think, where Australians can come and renew their knowledge of our history and be inspired and indeed challenged," McInnes said.

"It's a museum which won't lecture people, it won't talk down to people ... it's not a finger wagging exercise."

Australians should not take democracy for granted, the father of two said.

"You've got to look after it, like a garden, you've got to cherish it. Because if you don't look after it weeds will grow and it won't be able to function."

"It's just a moment, a chance, that some people struggle all their lives for, to say this is something we should cherish."

The museum will include exhibitions `Australian Democracy-more than 2000 years in the making' and `Living Democracy: the power of the people'.

One of the objects to feature will be a cast of a Bust of Pericles, from the 2nd century AD. Pericles introduced many political reforms, including payment for political and jury service and the participation by the Athenian people in the governance of their city.

A piece of the Berlin Wall and a GetUp Climate Torch from 2008 will also be on display.