Unlocking the Secrets of the Museum of Australian Democracy: Your 60‑Second Guide to a Government Career 🎯
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House? We’ve sifted through their latest annual report so you don’t have to! In this rapid-fire overview, you’ll find everything you need to know about this unique federal government institution—how it preserves an iconic national building, its vital revenue and workforce stats, and the skills that can help you land a role here. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a fresh grad, this guide will equip you to pursue a fulfilling career within the public sector.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)
Location: Parkes, Canberra (ACT)
CEO: The Director of MoAD (Statutory Office Holder)
Total Revenue: AUD 30.971 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 138 at 30 June 2024
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Museum Studies / Cultural Heritage – Essential for managing heritage collections and telling Australia’s democratic story.
History / Political Science – Ideal for curating exhibitions and exploring political milestones.
Arts / Humanities – Sharpens research, writing, and communication for high-impact public-facing projects.
Education / Teaching – Crucial for guiding school groups, designing learning programs, and mentoring other educators.
Business / Commerce / Accounting – Strengthens financial operations, budgeting, and strategic analysis.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) – Helps coordinate large-scale capital works and special initiatives.
Facilities Management – Maintains the heritage site effectively, ensuring visitor safety and comfort.
ITIL or Cyber Security – Protects MoAD’s digital assets and ensures smooth tech operations.
Library / Information Services – Underpins collection cataloguing and archival integrity.
First Aid / WHS Certifications – Ensures public, staff, and volunteer safety is always top priority.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Heritage Carpenter – Repairs, restores, and preserves historic timber within Old Parliament House.
Electrician / Electrical Fitter – Manages complex upgrades and power systems in a heritage environment.
Heritage Conservation Specialist – Looks after furniture, walls, and fixtures from the building’s parliamentary past.
Exhibition Designer / Fabricator – Crafts engaging, modern displays to spark visitor curiosity and interaction.
Security / Protective Services – Safeguards visitors, staff, and valuable heritage assets.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Soft Skills:
Communication & Public Speaking – Vital for tours, events, workshops, and bridging history to the present day.
Collaboration & Teamwork – Coordinating across curatorial, learning, and heritage teams.
Technical Skills:
Conservation & Collection Management – Preserving artifacts and ensuring responsible handling.
Digital Content Creation – Expanding outreach via websites, social media, and online workshops.
General Skills:
Research & Analysis – Informing content creation, exhibitions, and public programs with rich historical insights.
Event Coordination – Handling large-scale public, school, and community activities.
Project Planning – Juggling multi-year refurbishments and building services while staying on budget.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Government or APS Background – Familiarity with public-sector frameworks, legislative compliance, and accountability.
Museum / Cultural Institution Experience – Understanding curation, exhibitions, and visitor management.
Heritage Building Projects – Knowledge of preserving heritage fabric while modernising infrastructure.
Education Sector – Translating educational principles into museum programs for diverse audiences.
Frontline Customer Service – Engaging with the public, including daily tours, school groups, and major events.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)
Name of CEO: The Director of MoAD (a statutory role)
Location: Based in Canberra, ACT, but connected Australia-wide through touring exhibitions and online programs
Year Founded: MoAD was formed in 2009, though Old Parliament House opened back in 1927
Main Mission and Purpose:
MoAD’s mission is to conserve, preserve, and animate Old Parliament House—a site intimately tied to Australia’s parliamentary and social evolution—while inspiring visitors to engage with democracy in meaningful ways.Real-World Impact Example: MoAD’s annual “Behind the Lines” exhibition uses satire and political cartoons to highlight key issues, bringing democracy’s daily dramas to life.
Main Duties of the Department:
Protect and maintain a heritage-listed building of immense national significance
Curate creative and interactive exhibitions for visitors of all ages
Host school groups under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) scheme
Manage capital works and refurbishment to keep the building safe and functional
Engage diverse audiences through physical and digital experiences
Real-World Impact Example: When MoAD served as a polling place for the 2023 referendum, they offered democratic history activities to complement the real-time voting experience.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Capital Works Program: Continuous building upgrades (e.g., the House of Representatives Chamber refurbishment)
Exhibition Innovations: Child-friendly spaces like PlayUP, travelling shows that reach rural and regional areas
Centenary of Old Parliament House (2027): Expect major events and fresh content celebrating 100 years of parliamentary heritage
Digital Engagement: Upgraded website, social media storytelling, and virtual excursions that make civics accessible to all
Did You Know?
MoAD is one of only four mandatory stops under the PACER scheme, making it a rite of passage for many schoolkids on their big trip to Canberra!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 138 (as at 30 June 2024)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Roles span APS 1–6, Executive Level (EL) 1–2, and senior executives, covering curators, educators, heritage experts, ICT, communications, and security.Salary Bands:
APS levels: ~AUD 50k–110k+
Executive Level: ~AUD 110k–150k+
Director / Senior Executive: Typically above AUD 200k
(Exact amounts vary by experience, allowances, and enterprise agreements.)
Average Salary in the Department:
Middle APS band, often ~AUD 70k–100k, reflecting many APS 4–6 level roles.Total Revenue: AUD 30.971 million for 2023–24, drawn from appropriations and other sources
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AUD 224k (calculated by dividing total revenue by 138 employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Library/Information Services – Cataloguing, record-keeping, data management
Tourism & Events – Delivering quality visitor experiences and managing programs
Business Administration – Handling finance, procurement, and supporting corporate services
Trades (e.g., Carpentry, Painting) – Focus on heritage building repair and conservation
Bachelor / Master Level:
Education – Leading curriculum-linked workshops and professional development sessions
History / Political Science / Communications – Interpreting and communicating political processes and stories
Museum Studies / Cultural Heritage – Best practices for artifact preservation and cultural programming
IT / Digital Media – Developing immersive digital engagements for onsite and remote audiences
PhDs:
Heritage Conservation / History / Political Science – Senior research and curatorial roles that deepen MoAD’s scholarship and interpretative strategies
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Carpenters, Painters, Electricians, Plumbers, Conservators – The building’s vintage infrastructure requires regular specialist attention. Security and event professionals are also in constant demand.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Cultural Institutions or Government Project Work – Balancing heritage conservation within public-sector guidelines
Education and Front-of-House Service – Designing and hosting group tours, interactive sessions, and teacher training
Capital Works or Maintenance – Preserving the building’s historic character while upgrading essential systems
Events Coordination – Planning major exhibitions, community gatherings, and conferences in heritage spaces
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft Skills:
Empathy & Community Engagement – Ensuring visitors from diverse backgrounds feel included
Team Collaboration – Coordinating with curators, educators, security, and others for cohesive projects
Technical Skills:
Facility Upkeep & Heritage Conservation – Managing delicate restoration tasks with minimal disruption
Digital Content & Media Production – Scaling public awareness and interactive content
General Skills:
Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Responding to visitor surges, building repairs, or changing public policies
Communication & Stakeholder Management – Liaising with government departments, sponsors, educators, and the public
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Historical Research, Reading, or Podcasting – Perfect for exploring nuanced political and social themes
Community Volunteering – Syncs well with MoAD’s public service focus and outreach activities
Arts, Culture & Design – Fuels exhibition development and dynamic programming
Collecting and Curating – Ideal for those who love giving objects a voice and revealing their hidden stories
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the department:
HR / Recruitment Team Phone: (02) 6270 8269
Email: governance@moadoph.gov.au
Website: www.moadoph.gov.au
Address: Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Mail: PO Box 3934, Manuka ACT 2603
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