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Download the audio files to your mp3 player for each section of the guided tour. You can also read the transcripts of the tour online or print them off to read later.
Today most people think democracy is a good idea but in the 1850s, democratic was a dirty word! This segment of the audio tour deals with Victoria’s first steps toward self-government and early voters’ rights. Featured collection items include John Pascoe Fawkner’s draft constitution for the Port Phillip Bay colony, Victoria’s first official constitution and a replica of our first parliamentary mace.
Listen to Democratic Beginnings, Naked Democracy Part 1 [12:48,
3.1Mb]
Read the transcript of Democratic Beginnings, Naked Democracy Part 1
Anyone lose a mace or a top hat? This segment of the audio tour explores the development of the world’s first secret ballot used in Victoria’s first public elections in 1856, how parties were born out of uneasy political alliances and how the parliamentary mace may have been lost in a night club! Featured collection items include early satirical cartoons depicting feuding houses of parliament and the essential parliamentary accessory – the top hat.
Listen to Early Days of Parliament, Naked Democracy Part 2 [12:48,
3.1Mb]
Read the transcript of Early Days of Parliament, Naked Democracy Part 2
Did you know that looting mobs in 1923 derailed a tram and set it on fire as a result of police strikes over poor working conditions? This segment of the audio tour describes how people found opportunities to express their political ideas through public debate and protest, even though the city was deliberately designed without a public meeting space. Featured collection items include newspaper coverage, beer bottles and batons from the 1923 police strike.
Listen to Protest and Rebellion in the Streets, Naked Democracy Part 3 [8:52,
2.1Mb]
Read the transcript of Protest and Rebellion in the Streets, Naked Democracy Part 3
Nineteen women’s suffrage bills were put to Parliament before legislation was finally passed in 1908. This segment of the audio tour explores some of the reasons behind Victoria’s incredible reluctance to give women the vote as well as stereotypes of women in the media at the time. Featured collection items include a petition signed by 30 000 men and women and a nappy bag hanging on a hat rack from Parliament House!
Listen to Votes for Women, Naked Democracy Part 4 [7:38,
1.8Mb]
Read the transcript of Votes for Women, Naked Democracy Part 4
In the 1800s, shop assistants weren’t allowed to sit down and they were even timed while they were in the toilet! This segment of the audio tour looks at the 30 year struggle of the Early Closing Association to limit trading hours and improve working conditions for shop employees. Featured collection items include photographs, trophies and a wanted poster for renegade hardware store owner, Frank Penhalluriak.
Listen to Early Closing and the Eight Hour Day, Naked Democracy Part 5 [8:49,
2.1Mb]
Read the transcript of Early Closing and the Eight Hour Day, Naked Democracy Part 5
