Australians could soon become much more familiar with the nation’s Constitution, according to Ross Gibbs, Director-General of the National Archives of Australia.

To encourage people to reflect on the meaning and importance of our Constitution, the National Archives has suggested an annual commemoration on 9 July.

‘We see it as an opportunity to celebrate the aspects of life that unite all Australians today, wherever their place of birth,’ said Mr Gibbs.

‘The date marks the day in 1900 on which our Constitution became law, when Queen Victoria gave Assent to the document that created Australia.’

The National Archives of Australia marked 9 July this year with a series of activities celebrating the Australian Constitution and giving Australians the opportunity to learn more about the documents that have shaped our lives for more than 100 years.

The day included a citizenship ceremony, presided over by the Governor-General, a free public lecture by constitutional lawyer Professor John Williams from the University of Adelaide and a ‘creative conversation’ where constitutional experts and educators gathered to create the vision for an enduring celebration of Constitution Day in Australia.

‘Most Australians recognise their nation’s British heritage but might not realise that our Constitution drew on the very best ideas of older nations, with the American Constitution an important inspiration,’ said Mr Gibbs. ‘To acknowledge this link, the Ambassador of the United States of America also attended to present a copy of the American Constitution to the Governor-General.’

While Americans queue in Washington for a glimpse of their founding documents, Australians have a much better reason to celebrate the birthday of our Constitution. Australia is among the few nations born, not of bloodshed, but of concord, from a peaceful vote of the people. The parchment originals of Australia’s founding documents are on display at the National Archives of Australia in the Federation Gallery.

‘We would like to help all Australians to recognise the part the Constitution plays in their lives today. Without that document and the law it founds, we would have no parliament, no government and no Australian courts. In fact we would have no Australia as we know it today,’ said Mr Gibbs.