Article: The Australian, Friday May 8th, 2009

Democracy museum breathes new life into the Old House

Rosemary Sorensen | May 08, 2009

Old Parliament House has undergone major refurbishments in preparation for its rebirth as the Museum of Australian Democracy.

Granted $31.5million over four years in the 2006 federal budget, Old Parliament House has now been given a "new lease of life", according to actor William McInnes, who has accepted the position of chairman of the museum's advisory council.

"So often, we disparage the things that have happened here in Canberra, but we should be proud of our democratic history, not in a chest-beating way, but in a way that invites us in and engages us," McInnes said.

"You go past the partisan politics and get a great handle on what happened in our past, as well as challenging people to think about what democracy means in their everyday lives."

McInnes takes over as chairman from former Country Party leader Doug Anthony, who oversaw the building's metamorphosis into the new MoAD. McInnes said he was surprised to be asked to take on the role, but saw it as a "real treat".

"I'm not Mother Teresa, but I am trying to give something back," McInnes said. "I'm aware that I've been in an industry well supported by the public purse, and I'm very happy to be associated with such an inspiring museum. This will be another jewel in the crown of Canberra."

Part of the makeover was made possible by the relocation of the National Portrait Gallery from its temporary home in Old Parliament House to a purpose-built venue nearby.

The original parliamentary library at the rear of the building, which housed the national portrait collection from 1994 until last year, will reopen tomorrow with a permanent exhibition called Australian Democracy -- more than 2000 years in the making. The exhibition will include objects on long-term loan by the Daughters of the American Revolution, including a writing set used by George Washington, the first US president, and a first edition of Thomas Paine's Rights of Man, published in 1791 in support of the French Revolution.

McInnes, who played Australia's wartime prime minister John Curtin in a 2007 telemovie, said election nights in his family were second only in importance to Christmas and New Year.

The museum will be officially opened tomorrow by Bob Hawke, who was the last prime minister to preside over parliament in the 82-year-old heritage-listed building.