Hansart- Interpreting Hansard Records

Explore parliamentary debates from the last 100 years of records.

Australia’s federal parliament has been the scene of many robust debates, which have led to significant decisions that have shaped our country. Hansard is the official written record of these parliamentary debates.

Delve into Australia’s Hansard records with secondary students through this creative response activity and guided inquiry-based exploration.

Draw students’ attention to the power of these records for understanding our past and how words and speeches impact on our future. Engage students in a variety of contemporary themes which keep occurring throughout history.

Use these resources to explore some key parliamentary debates from the last 100 years of records on topics like:

sport and culture
women’s rights
the environment
First Nations rights
immigration and refugees
Old Parliament House

Students can choose a theme and use Hansard excerpts to design an artwork and then present, discuss and reflect on their work.