Page Text: A centre of ideas AND public engagement
Our research and policy work provides an independent think-tank for the people. It works to ignite debate, strengthen discussion and enrich policy development in Australia.
Our program is guided by Gough Whitlam's legacy and the themes of Australian parliamentary democracy, Australia’s place in the world and education as a public good. We run fora and events throughout the year canvassing a broad range of public policy ideas, including the Whitlam Oration.
culture & heritage at The Female Orphan School
Our home is in the historic Female Orphan School (1813) on the Parramatta Campus of Western Sydney University. Visitors to our exhibition A Changing Australia: the time of Gough Whitlam explore the dynamic, influential and tumultuous years of the Whitlam government.
The Margaret Whitlam Galleries at the Female Orphan School exhibit a changing program of art and social history exhibitions. See latest exhibitions and opening information:
civics Education programs
The Whitlam Institute is an educator, not just about the Whitlam Government and Gough Whitlam, but about Australian political and social history, and the power of democracy.
Our school programs inspire young people to think critically and to take action on the things that matter to them. Young people are inspired by the power of big ideas, the importance of personal values and leadership, and the role of government, political and civic engagement.
Prime Ministerial Collection
The Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection contains more than 35,000 objects that capture the essence of Gough Whitlam’s personality, his government, his public life, and his times. The collection is constantly growing as we attract new treasures that help us continually better understand Australia’s greatest reforming Prime Minister.
The collection has been largely digitised and is available here . Housed at the Whitlam Institute, the collection is available for research by appointment.