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Public Record Office Victoria

@vicarchives.bsky.social
503 followers 102 following 209 posts

Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the #archive of the State Government of Victoria, Australia. We hold records from the mid-1830s to today. Visit our website at prov.vic.gov.au

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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 53m
Things to look for in October: 🌿Birds 🌿Wildflowers 🌿Rainbows And… HISTORY MONTH! Visit us throughout History Month to research our collection and explore our exhibitions showcasing this diverse history: prov.vic.gov.au Image: Educational Chart No 7. VPRS 14517/P1/41, P334.
a chart that shows wildlife and birds to look for in October
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 21h
In the latest episode of our Look History in the Eye podcast, Australian feminist and changemaker Dr Jo Wainer AM reflects on the campaign she and her husband Bertram led in 1968 to end Victoria's deadly backyard abortion industry. Listen now: prov.vic.gov.au/podcast-epis...
a photo of women protesting with the words episode 19: Victoria's abortion racket Dr Jo Wainer on the 1968 campaign to end backyard abortion
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It’s hard to imagine the AFL Grand Final without the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). But did you know that in the 1980s, the Victorian Football League considered moving the grand final to VFL Park? Historic Cabinet records reveal how the Government stepped in: prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our...
aerial photo of the MCG with a quote 'The Government believes that the VFL grand final must remain at the Melbourne Cricket Ground'
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
International Day of Sign Languages is held on 23 September each year, but at the Victorian Archives Centre, we use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) every day. Here, Andy from our Access Services team, shares common research terms. See how many you can learn! Stay tuned this afternoon for O-Z.
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Old Treasury Building @oldtreasurymelb.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
We are very excited to be part of Melbourne Fashion Week's Independant Program in 2026! Join us to look back at two iconic decades for fashion! The demand for modern styles in the emerging youth market of the 1960s and the experimental turn towards unconventional materials in the 1970s.
events.humanitix.com
Collision: Fashion and Fabrics
Dive into the intricate world of fabrics and discover how designers are defined by the textiles they use.
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The day Samson Cornwall died, his wife Annie, and their farmhand Prato, notified authorities. They claimed he’d been sick a few days before passing away. Yet, suspicions quickly grew among their Karkarook neighbours that all wasn’t as it seemed… prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our...
a handwritten documenta mugshot for a man with a moustache and top hata mugshot for a young woman with her hair tied back
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Who was the legendary Max Du Barry? Comics journalist Sam Wallman delved into the archives to uncover the story of Melbourne's late, great, drag queen wharfie. Find out what he discovered at his upcoming Victorian Archives Centre talk, Thurs 24 September. Book: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sam-wallma...
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
What happened when 1970s construction workers downed tools to defend heritage, housing, the environment and queer communities? Sam Wallman has been researching this fascinating chapter of our history for his upcoming book ‘All Out: Pink Bans and Blue Collars.’
Comic panel by Sam Wallman showing the BLF workers, the word 'democracy' made out of bricks and a banner that says "Support BLF Green Bans"Two comic panels by Sam Wallman. The top panel shows workers on a construction site against a black background. The lower panel shows a close up of the same site with a sign saying "on strike" with leaves blowing in the wind and a cobweb.
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Professional Historians Association (Vic & Tas) @phavictas.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The RMIT David Stratton Screen Research Fellowship is now open for applications. The Fellowship allows access to the Australian Screen Research Collection and seeks innovative proposals that explore gaps or inequities in current scholarship. www.rmit.edu.au/library/borr...
rmit.edu.au
RMIT David Stratton Screen Research Fellowship
The annual RMIT David Stratton Screen Research Fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to engage with the AFIRC's extensive holdings.
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Did you know the Victorian Archives Centre is now close to 3 train stations? If you haven’t visited in a while, you may not have experienced the new Arden Station, just a 10-minute walk to our door! Check out the many ways you can reach us at: prov.vic.gov.au/public-trans...
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
How does comics journalist Sam Wallman use graphic storytelling for confronting hard truths? In Sam’s words, ‘we should wring history out like a wet towel’. Book your ticket now for our event with Sam Wallman on 24 September: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sam-wallma...
Illustration of a worker in a hard hat wringing out a wet towel. The text says "We shouldn't seek to replicate the past, but we should try to learn from it as much as we can. We should wring history out like a wet towel."
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Explore the Victorian Government Archive on your phone. PROVisualizer helps you explore the Victorian Government Archive through an interactive bubble chart. We’re excited to announce that you can now use it on your mobile devices. 🔎 prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our...
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Professional Historians Association (Vic & Tas) @phavictas.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Sam Wallman: Why comics and graphic storytelling pack a punch for tricky truth-telling. Join Sam as he unpacks how research into historic archives becomes a comic. Why does that form reach people in ways photographs and news articles sometimes can't? www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sam-wallma...
Sam Wallman at the work at the Victorian Archive Centre.
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Did you know at PROV we receive more than 10,000 orders for wills and probates every year? If you’re starting your family history journey this Family History Month, wills and probates are a great place to start. Start exploring: prov.vic.gov.au/explore-coll...
a will document for Sarah Deborah Broyer
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
How can comics and graphic storytelling transform investigations of historical archives into hard-hitting narratives? Join us on 24 September to hear award-winning illustrator and journalist Sam Wallman in conversation at the Victorian Archives Centre and online www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sam-wallma...
Sam Wallman being interviewed in his studio
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Did you know a train was used to test potential World War 2 recruits?⁠ In 1940, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was in desperate need of recruits. ⁠They fit a train with medical rooms, offices and a phone – then off it went touring our state.⁠ Find the full set of photos: go.vic.gov.au/4pTbSEp
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Happy Family History Month! Every family has a story. What will you discover about yours? Start exploring: prov.vic.gov.au/explore-coll...
prov.vic.gov.au
Family history | PROV
There are many Victorian government records in our collection that contain information about people and places relevant to your family or local history research. We have listed below the most commonly...
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Do you remember the Commonwealth Games mascots of 2006? This stunning series from our collection was used in the planning of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies. These drawings can be ordered for viewing in our reading room: prov.vic.gov.au/archive/VPRS...
ned kelly costumeplans for tram with wingsplans for the leunig duck with wheelsplans for a koala costume
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AHA (Australia) @austhistassoc.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Did you know that the AHA has its own podcast? Field Notes, made in conjunction with History Lab at UTS Impact Studios, features conversations between leading historians about different subfields in the discipline. Check it out now! theaha.org.au/publicising-...
theaha.org.au
Field Notes: A New Podcast from History Lab - The Australian Historical Association
First season sponsored by the AHA! The AHA is delighted to sponsor the first season of a new initiative at Impact Studio’s History Lab. Field Notes will feature a pair […]
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Ever wondered what's behind the shelves? Our archivists are in the repository selecting records for Open House Melbourne. Discover your state archives with a free guided tour this Saturday: openhousemelbourne.org/event/victor...
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Old Treasury Building @oldtreasurymelb.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
It's on again! Open House Melbourne is this coming weekend! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to go behind the door of some of Melbournes best buildings. Our highlight this year? The wonderful tours of the @vicarchives.bsky.social of course! Don't miss out!
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Old Treasury Building @oldtreasurymelb.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The 1960s is remembered as a time of loud and energetic protest, most think only of student protests, but they were one part of a cross-generational push for change! Australians from all walks of life questioned old hierarchies, developing new strategies of protest in the process.
oldtreasurybuilding.org.au
You Say You Want A Revolution: Protest in the Sixties – Old Treasury Building
More than any other decade the 1960s is remembered as a time of loud and energetic protest. Most think first of student radicals, but they were only one part of […]
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
This only happens once a year! On Saturday 25 July, take a guided tour around the parts of the Victorian Archives Centre usually reserved for archivists. openhousemelbourne.org/event/victor...
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
All aboard the Mount Buffalo Chalet bus, 1965! 🔎 Search Mount Buffalo for fascinating photographs depicting the region and the Chalet’s long history: go.vic.gov.au/4eWbobO
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Hundreds of new archives have been added to our collection ranging from photographs of community activities in Darebin to 1920s insolvency files and a 1930s register of autopsies. Learn more on our blog: prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our...
a gloved hand holding a black and white photoa hand holding an insolvency file take from a box full of files
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
For 5 decades, NAIDOC Week has been held every July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Celebrate at a NAIDOC event near you: www.naidoc.org.au/local-events... And discover histories from our archives: prov.vic.gov.au/about-uskoor...
The NAIDOC Week logo
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
These images capture James Stirling's Geological Survey party among the mines of Korumburra in 1895. James Stirling was a government geologist. During this visit, he reported a total 35,755,511 tonnes of coal in the region. 📸 Discover more Korumburra Mines Department photos: go.vic.gov.au/4ouxdU4
a group of people standing near busha group on a bridge
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ANU Australian Studies Institute @anuausi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
📢 Special Lecture – Andrew Fisher: So Much More Than a Prime Minister Join AuSI Foundation Fellow David Headon as he delivers a #FirstEightProject lecture at the Royal Australian Historical Society next week. 📌 Thu 9 Jul, 1–2pm 🎟️ In-person & online 👉 www.rahs.org.au/shop/tickets...
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
From Camberwell to Footscray and Moonee Ponds...these were just three in a franchise of grocery stores run by Archibald Crofts (9 September 1875 – 20 May 1942). #SuburbsofMelbourne go.vic.gov.au/4oXljT1
front of a croft's storea crofts store with a large preservene soap signa large sign across a store front that says big cash groceries
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Discover your archives! For Open House Melbourne we're opening the airlocked doors to the heart of the Victorian Archives Centre, the archival repository. Join a guided tour & take a peek inside the drawers, boxes & cabinets that our house our State collection openhousemelbourne.org/event/victor...
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Sam Wallman installing new work at the Victorian Archives Centre - exploring the legacy of the 1970s Green and Pink Bans, when construction workers downed tools to protect heritage buildings, low-income housing, the environment, and persecuted queer communities. prov.vic.gov.au/whats/public...
Sam Wallman installing comic panels on the wall of the Victorian Archives Centre foyer.Comic panel by Sam Wallman discussing his attitude to historical research.Sam Wallman finishing a painting about the Pink Bans.
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
We celebrate the blurry and beautiful Flinders Street Station, c1920s-30s, this cold #TrainsPlanesAutomobiles Tuesday. Search 'Flinders' on our photo wall for more: prov.vic.gov.au/photowall 📸 VPRS 12800/P0003.
black and white entrance to the train station with people in the background blurreda blurry image of an exit at the station with the words 'WAY OUT'a section of the station with people blurreda blurred woman waiting at the station near an advertising sign
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
🧵Armenian women grind grain and spin cotton in today's beautiful #FashionFriday photo. 📷️ VPRS 14517/P0001/31, M553. go.vic.gov.au/3Ra3Mdp
smiling women in long skirts, shirts and scarves grind grain and spin cotton
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Do you want your research published? Submissions are now open for the 2027 issue of our Provenance journal. ➡️ prov.vic.gov.au/explore-coll...
a black and white photo of an old news stand with the words 'Provenance: call for papers'
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
PROV's online Map Warper was first launched back in 2019. Since then, it has become an invaluable site for researchers to explore changes to Victoria’s landscape over time. Our three-part blog series explores how Map Warper is used to delve into the history of place: prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our...
a map with the words: with map warper us researchers are on warp speed when searching for and accessing copies of historic maps and plans
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Happy International Archives Week and Day #IAW2026! International Archives Week (8–12 June 2026) is an annual event that acknowledges archives around the world and their role in protecting rights, memories and futures. 📸 Royal Melbourne Show, 1958. VPRS 14517/P1, Unit 25, H461.
a group of people gathered around a picnic table at the Royal Show
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Old Treasury Building @oldtreasurymelb.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
The Rare Book Week program is LIVE! We're so excited to be presenting 'Making Public Histories: Why Republics Die'. rarebooksmelbourne.com
rarebooksmelbourne.com
Rare Book Week - Rare Books Melbourne
Melbourne Rare Book Week 2026 is a free, city-wide festival celebrating the written, printed and illustrated word. Talks, exhibitions, tours and more.
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Australian Arts Review @artsreviewau.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Melbourne’s trams have become moving works of art once more, as the First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams return to the city’s streets, launching as part of Rising. artsreview.com.au/risings-firs...
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
It's 1867 and Victorian physicians Dr. McCrea and Mr. Hutchison supply responses to a world-wide survey about leprosy. What results is the 'Report on Leprosy by the Royal College of Physicians prepared for Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for the Colonies.'
report cover
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
"She had a magnetic presence. You really wanted to be around her and wanted to be part of whatever change she was creating." How is Joan Kirner remembered, 36 years on from becoming our first female Premier? Read our latest blog post: go.vic.gov.au/4dIM0FF
Black and white photograph of Joan Kirner in 1989 in a crowd of children.
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The Australian Women’s and Gender Studies Association @awgsa.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 27 May – 3 June. For more resources, information and events visit the Reconciliation Australia website www.reconciliation.org.au Artwork by renowned Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey. #NationalReconciliationWeek2026 #NRW2026 #AWGSA
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
An assortment of historic church and marine records, Darebin, Pyrenees and Nillumbik council records, Omeo and Cassilis court registers and commercial building plans are among recent transfers to PROV's collection. Learn more about these most recent additions to our collection: go.vic.gov.au/4dKr69k
an old unfolded marine register of deathsa hand flipping pages of an old volume
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Family history researcher Neil is a descendant of Mary and William Oliver. At just 16, Mary was convicted to hang in the UK, but was then transported to Van Diemen's land for a life sentence. She escaped the convict system and married William in 1834...
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Old Treasury Building @oldtreasurymelb.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
The 1960s were a time of change. One of the biggest? Skirt lengths! From conservative to scandalous, the decade had it all!
oldtreasurybuilding.org.au
Ready-to-Wear Fashion in the 1960s – Old Treasury Building
What comes to mind when we think about fashion and the 1960s? Almost certainly it is the miniskirt for women and brightly patterned shirts for men. Gone were the demure […]
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Professional Historians Association (Vic & Tas) @phavictas.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
This interactive online workshop from our friends at Oral History Victoria explores approaches and issues in creating written outputs from oral history interviews, using examples from Alistair’s oral history publications and from participants’ own work. events.humanitix.com/writing-oral...
events.humanitix.com
Writing Oral History: Turning Talk into Text
Full day advanced workshop taught by Alistair Thomson that focuses on approaches to creating text-based outputs from oral history interviews.
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Provenance 2026 is now online! Provenance is our free annual online journal featuring articles that utilise records from our vast historic collection to tell stories of Victoria's past. Read the issue now: go.vic.gov.au/4cOkd7D
colourful Provenance banner
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Public Record Office Victoria @vicarchives.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Our Map Warper expert, Asa Letourneau, was pleased to host a workshop as part of Melton's Heritage Festival on Wednesday. The Festival continues through to 9 May with fascinating author talks, tours and workshops all related to Melton and Victorian history. 🎟️ www.melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/...
two men standing in front of computers
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Professional Historians Association (Vic & Tas) @phavictas.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
PHA (Vic & Tas) is pleased to invite Australian historians to attend this half-day workshop: From Archives to Algorithms: Digital Methods and AI Tools for Historians. Space for non-members is VERY limited. Fees apply. www.phavic.org.au/event-items/...
phavic.org.au
From Archives to Algorithms: Digital Methods and AI Tools for Historians — Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania)
A half-day workshop exploring key developments and emerging tools for historians. The session will develop digital and AI literacy by exploring the impact of new technologies on hi...
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AHA (Australia) @austhistassoc.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
ECRs! Don't forget that there's still time to apply for the 2026 Ann Curthoys Award, for unpublished work in Australian, feminist, Indigenous, transnational history, or history and theory! Follow the link for all the info: theaha.org.au/awards-and-p...
theaha.org.au
Ann Curthoys Prize - The Australian Historical Association
The Ann Curthoys Prize is awarded for the best unpublished article-length work by an Early Career Researcher in any one or combination of the following fields in which Ann has […]
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Old Treasury Building @oldtreasurymelb.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
The Law Week program is out! Our sold out tour from last year 'The Constitution, the Governor and Royal Assent' is back! events.humanitix.com/the-constitu... Don't miss out on a great collection of events! www.viclawweek.org.au
events.humanitix.com
The Constitution, the Governor and Royal Assent (Law Week)
Discover the Constitution, the role of the Governor and Royal Assent, but also the way in which ‘direct democracy’ can influence law makers.
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