Papers assembled by Gavan Schneider relating to his membership of the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Divisions of the Australian Democrats during the 1980s. There are papers relating to the history, objectives and policies of the Australian Democrats as well files relating to Schneider's involvement as a member of the National Executive, as National Ballots Administrator and as a director and secretary of the Australian Democrats' companies A.D. Holdings Limited and A.D. Properties Pty Ltd. Other topics covered by the papers include the 1984 and 1987 Federal elections, the 1981 and 1984 NSW State elections, ACT self-government, the development of the Australian Democrats constitution during the 1980s and the expulsion of Senators and members.