Fewer than half of Australians aged 18–24 now believe democracy is “always preferable” to other forms of government — a finding that should concern anyone committed to the future of our nation. This challenge demands action. In 2025-26, the Robert Menzies Institute intensified its efforts to inspire young Australians to understand, value and defend our liberal democratic tradition.

Over the last year, the Robert Menzies Institute consolidated its position as a national leader in Australia in civic and historical education, engaging hundreds of students and teachers through competitions, curriculum resources, museum programs and professional development across multiple states.

Demand for the Institute’s flagship student programs grew dramatically, reflecting renewed interest among young Australians in history, ideas and public debate. Thanks to the generosity of Neville Bertalli, Angie Scanlon, and John Thornton, we were able to offer attractive cash prizes for the 2025 Menzies Speech Competition, leading to a tripling in entries. In addition applications to the competitive Menzies Early Career Network rose by 150%.

Teachers are important multipliers of civic understanding. If liberal democracy is to endure, it must be taught, debated, and lived — not assumed.

In 2025-26, the Institute engaged more than 160 history teachers through curriculum resources, workshops, museum visits and conferences, extending our reach to hundreds of classrooms across Australia. We presented at history teachers’ conferences across Australia, and hosted the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria’s new teacher training.

Deb Hull, Executive Officer of the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria, told us she valued our commitment to deep scholarship over empty slogans. That is exactly what we aim to offer.

A collection of essays by Menzies Early Career Network students entitled Menzies Rediscovered was launched by the Federal Opposition Leader The Hon Angus Taylor MP in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Institute’s mission to cultivate the next generation of Australian scholars and public thinkers.