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Old
Parliament House “The home of |
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Old
Parliament House
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The sign in front of Old
Parliament House
Portrait of former Prime
Minister Paul Keating, looking smug as usual
Painting of Old
Parliament House |
There are many well-informed volunteers working in Old Parliament House, all eager to share their knowledge of Australia’s political history – some of them are so enthusiastic, they grab visitors by the throat on arrival and insist on giving them a short lecture, several brochures and a piece of cake. The Chambers are rich with dark wood and old leather, and much more ‘cosy’ and British than those in the new building. Both Cambers are well-used, for
educational and entertainment purposes.
Here in the Representatives Chamber, a group of school children are
re-enacting an actual parliamentary debate about the Franklin River Dam in In the Senate Chamber, a brief visit by the Queen and Prince Philip surprised everyone, especially their fellow passengers on the tour bus, who had no idea of their true identity, as they were cleverly disguised as ordinary tourists from Oodnadatta. We thought Prince Philip was a bit over the top, but Queen Gladys from Woop Woop was perfect. |
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As well as the two Chambers, Old Parliament has dozens of interesting rooms and offices with their original furniture and fittings. On the left is the Prime Minister’s office, and on the right, the Cabinet Room. |
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Left – a typical desk in the Press Office. Right – a glass panel which forms part of a display about the notorious 1975 dismissal of the government by the Governor General, Sir John ‘Cur’. This building also houses part of the National Portrait Gallery, where there are paintings of many famous Australians. |
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To visit
the official Old Parliament website, click here > http://www.oph.gov.au/ |
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