Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026
In ForceCTH
Jurisdiction
Commonwealth
Collection
legislative instrument
Plain English Summary
7/10 complexity
**What this document is and what it does (mechanics)
This is a five‑year Heritage Management Plan (2021–2026) for Old Parliament House and its curtilage. It sets out the operational rules, decision processes and responsibilities that staff must follow to meet statutory heritage obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and related instruments (see Chapter 4).
The plan converts statutory requirements into day‑to‑day procedures: it defines six management "zones" across the building, lists which routine activities are pre‑approved if done in specified ways (the Permitted Action Schedule, Chapter 12), and requires other activities to be submitted, assessed and approved through an Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11). It also includes implementation tasks, monitoring and review arrangements and a digital tool (the Heritage Management Interactive) to record and manage proposals (Chapter 15).
**Who it affects (practical parties and roles)
Old Parliament House staff (Museum of Australian Democracy – MoAD): responsible for preparing proposals, supervising contractors, conserving collections and keeping records (see Chapters 5, 11, 14).
The Actions Committee and an identified Delegate (senior manager): they assess and approve actions that are not covered by the Permitted Action Schedule (Chapter 11).
Heritage and collections staff (Manager, Heritage & Collections): day‑to‑day authorisation, conservation standards and recordkeeping (Chapters 11, 12).
Zoe can write the in-depth analysis on top of the summary above: how it works, who it affects and what each part actually does.
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026.
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Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
This is Version 3.0 of the Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan. It is largely based on the previous two versions. Please see Version 1.0 (2008–2013) for a full list of the original contributors.
The Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026 (Version 3.0) is the result of a review, including public consultation, and an update by staff of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
For further information or enquiries regarding this plan, please contact:
Deputy Director,
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Old Parliament House is an agency of the Australian Government.
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan
Version 1.0: Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013 (published 2008) Version 2.0: Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2015–2020 (published 2015) Version 3.0: Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026 (published 2021)
Documentation Control
The following table documents the development and issue of Version 3.0 of the Heritage Management Plan.
Issue
Notes/Description
Issue Date
Prepared By
1
Draft: Design Proof
25 August 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
2
Draft: Incorporating initial edits in preparation for MoAD and public consultation, and initial DAWE review.
10 September 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
3
Draft: Incorporated feedback from review and consultation period; fixed text errors, added text to integrate OPH management strategies, updated Permitted Action Schedule.
13 October 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
4
Final Draft: Including OPH board edits, minor text corrections, for National Heritage Council and second DAWE review.
23 October 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
5
Minor Text and Use corrections in plans; Addition of alternate text for images and plans.
11 February 2021
Old Parliament House Staff
6
Final version for submission.
22 April 2021
Old Parliament House Staff
Foreword
Foreword
Foreword
Old Parliament House is of outstanding significance to the nation. As the first purpose built parliament house, it is a physical icon of Australian democracy. It is representative of Australia’s parliamentary political process, and has been a focus for events that reflect Australian democratic values, and political rights and obligations.
As home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House continues to surprise and delight visitors. In this nationally significant building, our vision is to create a vibrant and contemporary hub that empowers civic and individual engagement in the democratic process. This vision will be achieved in harmony with the heritage values of the place that recognise, preserve and communicate the spirit of Australian democracy.
The proper conservation and sustainable use of built and cultural heritage is an enduring ambition shared by communities around Australia. The Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan provides a rigorous management framework for the heritage values of the place. This is the third version of the plan. This update is a result of a review, including a public consultation process, which was undertaken in 2020. The plan meets the requirements for management plans for National and Commonwealth Heritage places, as pursuant to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Regulations 2000.
Old Parliament House staff demonstrate leadership, expertise and innovation in heritage conservation and management. Our award-winning conservation projects have delivered outcomes that recognise the important relationships between heritage conservation, sustainability and access. The management plan is a practical document used by staff to identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit the heritage values of Old Parliament House for current and future generations.
The Hon Nick Minchin AOChairBoard of Old Parliament House
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
On 20 June 2006 the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Howard MP, announced the addition of Old Parliament House and Curtilage to Australia’s National Heritage List. The assessment of the heritage values demonstrated that Old Parliament House and Curtilage had met eight of the nine National Heritage List criteria. Old Parliament House and Curtilage had previously been included in the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 and is a significant feature in the Commonwealth Heritage listed Parliament House Vista.
Old Parliament House was opened in 1927. It was designed by John Smith Murdoch, the first Commonwealth Government architect, as the first purpose-built home of Australia’s federal Parliament. It is one of the foundation government buildings from the early development of the national capital under the Griffin Plan. Old Parliament House is a substantial building containing some 500 rooms; it houses formal parliamentary Chambers with associated executive offices, parliamentarians’ rooms and functional support spaces. Its complex overlay of National and Commonwealth heritage values are manifested in the fabric, collections, history and intangible associations.
Old Parliament House is a Commonwealth-owned property. From July 1996 to November 2007 it was administered by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, and from November 2007 to June 2008 it was administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. In July 2008 Old Parliament House became an Executive Agency. In July 2016 it was reclassified, under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, as a corporate Commonwealth entity, and became a body corporate. Old Parliament House itself is a Statutory Agency; the curtilage area is administered by the National Capital Authority.
Old Parliament House and Curtilage is a heritage site and the home of the Museum of Australian Democracy. The heritage values of the site and the museum’s strategic vision are expressed through an array of interpretation, exhibition, online, learning, research and commercial activities and events available to the public 364 days a year.
This Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026 (the Heritage Management Plan) satisfies Old Parliament House’s and the National Capital Authority’s obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). This third version has been updated by Old Parliament House staff. The first version of the plan, published in 2008, was written by Old Parliament House staff with the assistance of heritage consultants and an expert advisory panel.
The assessment of heritage values and the Statement of Heritage Significance contained in this plan draw on research undertaken for previous management plans and heritage analyses. The heritage values tables are drawn from the National and Commonwealth Heritage Listings.
The plan provides a management and administrative framework, ensuring that all the heritage values are identified, well managed, interpreted and made available for community appreciation and enjoyment. It acts as a manual for Old Parliament House managers and staff to use daily, thereby underpinning and informing management decisions. Through zones, which support the policies, the plan provides a framework for assessment and approval of proposed uses or actions against the heritage values. This ensures effective use and appropriate actions that serve to protect and interpret the heritage values. This framework also provides opportunities for ongoing community involvement.
Under the plan there will be continuous monitoring, reporting and, where appropriate or necessary, improvement of the condition of the heritage listed values of Old Parliament House and Curtilage. During the life of this plan there will be an increase in conservation, interpretation, exhibitions, learning and outreach programs associated with both the place and the strategic vision for the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
This plan will remain in place for five years and will be reviewed and updated as required.
Description of the plan
Description of the plan
Description of the plan
The content and decision-making tool developed for this Heritage Management Plan is a response to a variety of influences, as outlined in Figure 1.
The plan provides a framework to assist staff to make informed decisions about changes to use and actions and activities in and on the place. Decision-making and research for the place should be done using both this plan and management strategy documents, and the associated Heritage Management Interactive that provides links to detailed information about the values and history of specific rooms and collection pieces. Figure 2 briefly outlines some of the ways the plan can be used.
This section of the plan sets out the context for the management of the heritage values of Old Parliament House.
Chapter 1: Introduction outlines the purpose and scope of this Heritage Management Plan and articulates the vision for heritage management at Old Parliament House. This chapter outlines the core principles and the outcomes that provide the framework for the plan.
Chapter 2: Description describes the place, including its location, its physical description and its history.
Chapter 3: Heritage Values describes why this place is significant. It describes the method through which the values have been assessed, and includes a summary statement of significance, relevant extracts from the National Heritage List and the Commonwealth Heritage List; also included are a series of maps that illustrate where the values are located across the place. The current condition of the values is also recorded.
1. Introduction
1. Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1. A building for the nation
Australian democracy values political and social rights and active citizenship for all. It separates the legislative, executive and judicial powers and provides a framework for an inclusive society. Much that is now the essence of democratic practice worldwide has strong roots in Australia – the secret ballot, votes for women, salaried parliamentarians and the principle of constitutional change by majority vote.
Old Parliament House provides the physical connection with the long tradition of parliamentary democracy in Australia. It is a place which people can reflect on and be proud of the Australian achievement.
The establishment of Old Parliament House was fundamental to the development of Canberra; the opening of Parliament heralded the symbolic birth of the nation’s democratic capital. Parliament is a place where political conflict is inevitable. Old Parliament House stands for the right to argue and express dissent, and for the seven peaceful changes of government that took place during the years in which Parliament sat in the building. These values exemplify the theme of building the Australian nation – thereby creating an Australian democracy.
Old Parliament House is a nationally significant heritage place and is one of a select group of places on the National Heritage List.
On 20 June 2006 the Hon John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, stated:
Old Parliament House will always be an important part of our political history with its rich collection of original furniture, art and memorabilia helping to illustrate the story of Australia’s political customs and functions … It is appropriate that this place of outstanding significance to our nation receives Australia’s most prestigious heritage recognition.
Old Parliament House is also recognised on the Commonwealth Heritage List (22 June 2004), the Register of the National Estate (1987, now closed), the National Trust of Australia’s (ACT) Register and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture.
Since 2009 Old Parliament House has been the site for the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House helps people to understand Australia’s social and political history by interpreting the past and present and by exploring the future. This is achieved by:
bringing alive the importance of Parliament in the lives of Australians
interpreting, conserving and presenting the building and collections
providing entertaining and educational public programs about Australian democracy
providing a range of other services that enhance the visitor experience.
Old Parliament House hosts an active and busy exhibition program, a range of public programs and events including daily guided tours, and education programs for school students and other interest groups. The place also provides catering for visitors through the Terrace Café and restaurant Hoi Polloi.
To most people, the significance of a place arises from a combination of many qualities, such as social and historical ones, and other values derived from these. However, management and statutory obligations require explicit information about each value and its attributes to ensure important values can be conserved and management efforts can be targeted and prioritised.
1.1. A building for the nation
1.1. A building for the nation
1.1. A building for the nation
Australian democracy values political and social rights and active citizenship for all. It separates the legislative, executive and judicial powers and provides a framework for an inclusive society. Much that is now the essence of democratic practice worldwide has strong roots in Australia – the secret ballot, votes for women, salaried parliamentarians and the principle of constitutional change by majority vote.
Old Parliament House provides the physical connection with the long tradition of parliamentary democracy in Australia. It is a place which people can reflect on and be proud of the Australian achievement.
The establishment of Old Parliament House was fundamental to the development of Canberra; the opening of Parliament heralded the symbolic birth of the nation’s democratic capital. Parliament is a place where political conflict is inevitable. Old Parliament House stands for the right to argue and express dissent, and for the seven peaceful changes of government that took place during the years in which Parliament sat in the building. These values exemplify the theme of building the Australian nation – thereby creating an Australian democracy.
Old Parliament House is a nationally significant heritage place and is one of a select group of places on the National Heritage List.
On 20 June 2006 the Hon John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, stated:
Old Parliament House will always be an important part of our political history with its rich collection of original furniture, art and memorabilia helping to illustrate the story of Australia’s political customs and functions … It is appropriate that this place of outstanding significance to our nation receives Australia’s most prestigious heritage recognition.
Old Parliament House is also recognised on the Commonwealth Heritage List (22 June 2004), the Register of the National Estate (1987, now closed), the National Trust of Australia’s (ACT) Register and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture.
Since 2009 Old Parliament House has been the site for the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House helps people to understand Australia’s social and political history by interpreting the past and present and by exploring the future. This is achieved by:
bringing alive the importance of Parliament in the lives of Australians
interpreting, conserving and presenting the building and collections
providing entertaining and educational public programs about Australian democracy
providing a range of other services that enhance the visitor experience.
Old Parliament House hosts an active and busy exhibition program, a range of public programs and events including daily guided tours, and education programs for school students and other interest groups. The place also provides catering for visitors through the Terrace Café and restaurant Hoi Polloi.
To most people, the significance of a place arises from a combination of many qualities, such as social and historical ones, and other values derived from these. However, management and statutory obligations require explicit information about each value and its attributes to ensure important values can be conserved and management efforts can be targeted and prioritised.
1.2. Purpose and scope of the plan
1.2. Purpose and scope of the plan
1.2. Purpose and scope of the plan
The Heritage Management Plan is a document required by legislation that outlines how the place will be managed in the years ahead. The purpose and scope of this plan is dictated by the requirements for National Heritage listed places under Section 324S of the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and Schedules 5A and 5B of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Regulations) (see Appendix A) and Commonwealth Heritage listed places under Section 341S of the EPBC Act and Schedules 7A and 7B of the Regulations (see Appendix A), and is guided by The Burra Charter: Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013 (The Burra Charter) (see Appendix E).1
The Heritage Management Plan aims to accommodate many of the needs and aspirations that people have for the place and to facilitate their enjoyment and appreciation of the heritage values in a sustainable way. To this end, management seeks to maintain many areas of the place in their pre-1988 physical forms. Decisions concerning the management of use and proposed changes are to be based on an understanding of the heritage values, their sensitivity to change and the results of research, rather than on anecdotal evidence.
This management plan will remain in force until a new plan is adopted.
1.3. Heritage management vision and core
1.3. Heritage management vision and core principles
1.3. Heritage management vision and core principles
The vision for heritage management at Old Parliament House is to integrate the conservation and interpretation of heritage values in order to keep the place relevant and vital. Directly or indirectly, all the policies in this plan aim to realise this vision. The provisions of this plan are also based upon a recognition of a broad range of uses and social value linked to these uses.
The core principles developed for this plan are intended to build upon the various conservation initiatives established by previous conservation management plans for the place and also to meet the management principles and management plan requirements for Commonwealth and National Heritage listed places.
The management policies, strategies and objectives contained in this plan are based on these principles:
Integrity of the place – recognition that the integrity of the heritage values and their attributes are managed through appropriate use, maintenance and change
Conservation principles – acknowledgement that the Burra Charter guides the management of the heritage values of the place; in particular, the aspiration of nil decline in condition of heritage values
Complexity of heritage values – recognition that a key consideration in management decision making should be the complexity of the heritage values and attributes
Limits of acceptable change – acknowledgement that all actions and uses of the place result in some degree of impact and identify the need to manage physical and social impact within thresholds that minimise change/deterioration
Community involvement – recognition that the public has a right to participate in the decision-making processes concerning the place (this principle acknowledges the connections between individuals, families, communities and organisations to the place and events that occurred during the life of Parliament in the place)
Learning – recognition that the role of learning may extend beyond enhancing people’s understanding and appreciation of the values of the place to engendering a sense of personal responsibility for their protection
ICOMOS stands for the International Council on Museums and Sites.
1.4. Key outcomes
1.4. Key outcomes
1.4. Key outcomes
The implementation of the policies in this plan seek to achieve the conservation of the heritage values through the following outcomes:
Conservation
Conserve heritage values through:
protecting, monitoring and maintaining the condition of the heritage values
implementing the Burra Charter principles
implementing recognised collection management principles
ensuring appropriate mechanisms for maintenance
mitigating risks through the policies.
Zones
Demonstrate a mechanism for sound ongoing heritage management practices by:
instilling a respect for the heritage values of all areas of the place through a zoning approach in accordance with the statements of intent and objectives for each zone.
Decision-making
Ensure compliant mechanisms for decision-making through:
implementing a robust and transparent day-to-day internal process based on the heritage values of the place
undertaking research prior to actions to ensure informed decisions are made.
Documentation and reporting
Ensure appropriate records are kept of actions, public reporting of the Implementation Plan and trends in the condition of heritage values through:
reporting against the Implementation Plan
keeping records of actions in a database
monitoring and reporting annually
assessing the condition of the heritage values of the place every five years.
Interpretation and communication
Achieve appropriate interpretation and communication of the heritage values of the place through:
facilitating interpretation of spaces in appropriate zones
2. Description
2. Description
2. Description
2.1. Location
2.1.1. Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
Old Parliament House is situated in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory which is surrounded by the state of New South Wales. Canberra is 150 kilometres inland from the coast, 287 kilometres from Sydney and 660 kilometres from Melbourne. Canberra is the seat of the Australian Federal Government.
Old Parliament House is in the suburb of Parkes, bounded by King George Terrace to the north, Queen Victoria Terrace to the south and Parliament Square to the east and west.
2.1.2. Parliamentary Triangle
There are a number of important relationships between the building and its wider setting. Old Parliament House sits in an important and extensive landscape stretching between Mount Ainslie and Capital Hill. As a result, Old Parliament House has a strong relationship to Parkes Place, which is the area between it and Lake Burley Griffin and includes the reflection ponds and components of the National Rose Gardens. It has a strong relationship with the flanking Senate Garden and House of Representatives Garden, both of which were integral to the social development of the place and were private gardens frequently used by parliamentarians and their families during the time that Old Parliament House was a functioning parliament.
Figure 3: Map of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
2.1.1. Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
Old Parliament House is situated in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory which is surrounded by the state of New South Wales. Canberra is 150 kilometres inland from the coast, 287 kilometres from Sydney and 660 kilometres from Melbourne. Canberra is the seat of the Australian Federal Government.
Old Parliament House is in the suburb of Parkes, bounded by King George Terrace to the north, Queen Victoria Terrace to the south and Parliament Square to the east and west.
2.1.2. Parliamentary Triangle
There are a number of important relationships between the building and its wider setting. Old Parliament House sits in an important and extensive landscape stretching between Mount Ainslie and Capital Hill. As a result, Old Parliament House has a strong relationship to Parkes Place, which is the area between it and Lake Burley Griffin and includes the reflection ponds and components of the National Rose Gardens. It has a strong relationship with the flanking Senate Garden and House of Representatives Garden, both of which were integral to the social development of the place and were private gardens frequently used by parliamentarians and their families during the time that Old Parliament House was a functioning parliament.
Figure 3: Map of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
2.1.1. Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
2.1.1. Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
Old Parliament House is situated in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory which is surrounded by the state of New South Wales. Canberra is 150 kilometres inland from the coast, 287 kilometres from Sydney and 660 kilometres from Melbourne. Canberra is the seat of the Australian Federal Government.
Old Parliament House is in the suburb of Parkes, bounded by King George Terrace to the north, Queen Victoria Terrace to the south and Parliament Square to the east and west.
2.1.2. Parliamentary Triangle
2.1.2. Parliamentary Triangle
2.1.2. Parliamentary Triangle
There are a number of important relationships between the building and its wider setting. Old Parliament House sits in an important and extensive landscape stretching between Mount Ainslie and Capital Hill. As a result, Old Parliament House has a strong relationship to Parkes Place, which is the area between it and Lake Burley Griffin and includes the reflection ponds and components of the National Rose Gardens. It has a strong relationship with the flanking Senate Garden and House of Representatives Garden, both of which were integral to the social development of the place and were private gardens frequently used by parliamentarians and their families during the time that Old Parliament House was a functioning parliament.
Figure 3: Map of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
This plan includes the building and its collections to the outer edges of the built structure, the internal gardens and the surrounding area (up to the central line of the perimeter roadways). The various management and legal boundaries within this area are outlined below and in Figure 5.
Old Parliament House boundary administered by Old Parliament House (as a Statutory Agency):
all elements contained within and on the exterior walls and to the ground level steps, the front Façade garden to the footpath, the East and West Façade gardens (the partially enclosed pocket gardens), the rear cooling enclosures, and the East and West bridges at the rear of the building. The National Capital Authority administered area: all roads, gardens and footpaths from the ground level steps or exterior walls of Old Parliament House outwards excluding those areas administered by Old Parliament House (the front Façade garden to the footpath, the East and West Façade gardens, the rear cooling enclosures, and the East and West bridges at the rear of the building).
National Heritage List boundary: ‘About 2.5ha, King George Terrace, Parkes, comprising the area bounded by the centre lines of King George Terrace, Queen Victoria Terrace and Parliament Square, and including all of Sections 39, 42, 43 and 50 Parkes.’[2](#_bookmark17)
Commonwealth Heritage List boundary: ‘About 2.5ha, comprising that area bounded by King George Terrace, Queen Victoria Terrace and Parliament Square, Parkes.’[3](#_bookmark18)
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No. S198, 2 October 2007, p. 2.
ibid.
2.2. Physical description of the site
2.2. Physical description of the site
2.2. Physical description of the site
2.2.1. The Building and its Collections (movable items)
Old Parliament House is a large three-storey rendered brick building with the main floor on the intermediate level. The strong horizontal pattern of the white painted main façade is symmetrical and features four original bays with arched bronze windows, verandahs and balconies enclosed with glass and end bays which are stepped forward, creating a rhythm of stepped cornices and parapets. The balanced masses of the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers rise above the surrounding offices and other rooms.
The building has strong symmetrical planning based around a number of major spaces. The major axis through the building, aligned with the Land Axis of the Parliamentary Triangle, features a series of spaces: King’s Hall, Parliamentary Library and the Dining Rooms. The cross-axis features the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, which are placed symmetrically either side of King’s Hall. All of these spaces are on the main or intermediate level. Surrounding these spaces are many smaller meeting rooms, offices and other service areas which are placed on the lower ground, main and upper floors.
There are two enclosed courtyards, located between the North Wing of the building and the South Wing. Dining Rooms are features of the South Wing. A vestige of the Library courtyard also survives as a link between the larger courtyards.
The original flat concrete and membrane roofs have been covered with low-pitched metal roofs.
Old Parliament House has undergone many changes over its life (see plans in Appendix D). There have been major additions to the building on both sides, front and back (the south-east, south-west, north-east and north-west wings), which contain many offices and meeting rooms. These have generally maintained the construction, external finish, height and rhythm of the façade but have changed the mass of the building.
These extensions house the Prime Minister’s Suite and President of the Senate’s Suite. Other changes include the enclosure of verandahs and balconies. There have also been changes to, and loss of, original finishes in many rooms, though not the major spaces.
Major interior spaces of architectural interest include: King’s Hall, Library, Senate Chamber, House of Representatives Chamber, Members’ Dining Rooms and Bar, Senate Opposition Party Room, Speaker’s Suite, Clerk of the Senate’s Office, Leader of the Government in the Senate’s Suite, Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Room, and the President of the Senate’s Suite. The interiors feature impressive Tasmanian blackwood finishes.
The contents of Old Parliament House include furniture, signs, light fittings, carpets, office furnishings and equipment. Many of these items have been retained in their original locations. Significant among the collection are items presented to Provisional Parliament House to mark the opening of the building in 1927 and the large collection of original furniture and fittings specifically designed for the building and installed that year. Subsequent additions to the original collection document important stages in the adaptation of the building to meet the ever-increasing demand to accommodate more members and their staff. This process continued until the relocation of the Australian Parliament to the new Parliament House, where new specially commissioned furniture and fittings were provided.
The collection of contents in Old Parliament House also includes fittings and fabric which have become disassociated from their original location or function.
Old Parliament House is an example of the Inter-War Stripped Classical style of architecture. Key features of the style displayed by the building include a symmetrical façade, division into vertical bays indicating classical origins, vestigial classical entablature, simple surfaces, and spandrels between storeys that have been subdued to emphasise verticality. Some of the 1927 interior furnishings include timber wall panelling, division clocks, feature carpets in the Chambers and feature rubber and parquetry flooring in the Lobbies, and built-in sink, coat and locker cupboards and bookshelves. Some of the interior features added during the
2.2.1. The Building and its Collections
2.2.1. The Building and its Collections (movable items)
2.2.1. The Building and its Collections (movable items)
Old Parliament House is a large three-storey rendered brick building with the main floor on the intermediate level. The strong horizontal pattern of the white painted main façade is symmetrical and features four original bays with arched bronze windows, verandahs and balconies enclosed with glass and end bays which are stepped forward, creating a rhythm of stepped cornices and parapets. The balanced masses of the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers rise above the surrounding offices and other rooms.
The building has strong symmetrical planning based around a number of major spaces. The major axis through the building, aligned with the Land Axis of the Parliamentary Triangle, features a series of spaces: King’s Hall, Parliamentary Library and the Dining Rooms. The cross-axis features the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, which are placed symmetrically either side of King’s Hall. All of these spaces are on the main or intermediate level. Surrounding these spaces are many smaller meeting rooms, offices and other service areas which are placed on the lower ground, main and upper floors.
There are two enclosed courtyards, located between the North Wing of the building and the South Wing. Dining Rooms are features of the South Wing. A vestige of the Library courtyard also survives as a link between the larger courtyards.
The original flat concrete and membrane roofs have been covered with low-pitched metal roofs.
Old Parliament House has undergone many changes over its life (see plans in Appendix D). There have been major additions to the building on both sides, front and back (the south-east, south-west, north-east and north-west wings), which contain many offices and meeting rooms. These have generally maintained the construction, external finish, height and rhythm of the façade but have changed the mass of the building.
These extensions house the Prime Minister’s Suite and President of the Senate’s Suite. Other changes include the enclosure of verandahs and balconies. There have also been changes to, and loss of, original finishes in many rooms, though not the major spaces.
Major interior spaces of architectural interest include: King’s Hall, Library, Senate Chamber, House of Representatives Chamber, Members’ Dining Rooms and Bar, Senate Opposition Party Room, Speaker’s Suite, Clerk of the Senate’s Office, Leader of the Government in the Senate’s Suite, Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Room, and the President of the Senate’s Suite. The interiors feature impressive Tasmanian blackwood finishes.
The contents of Old Parliament House include furniture, signs, light fittings, carpets, office furnishings and equipment. Many of these items have been retained in their original locations. Significant among the collection are items presented to Provisional Parliament House to mark the opening of the building in 1927 and the large collection of original furniture and fittings specifically designed for the building and installed that year. Subsequent additions to the original collection document important stages in the adaptation of the building to meet the ever-increasing demand to accommodate more members and their staff. This process continued until the relocation of the Australian Parliament to the new Parliament House, where new specially commissioned furniture and fittings were provided.
The collection of contents in Old Parliament House also includes fittings and fabric which have become disassociated from their original location or function.
Old Parliament House is an example of the Inter-War Stripped Classical style of architecture. Key features of the style displayed by the building include a symmetrical façade, division into vertical bays indicating classical origins, vestigial classical entablature, simple surfaces, and spandrels between storeys that have been subdued to emphasise verticality. Some of the 1927 interior furnishings include timber wall panelling, division clocks, feature carpets in the Chambers and feature rubber and parquetry flooring in the Lobbies, and built-in sink, coat and locker cupboards and bookshelves. Some of the interior features added during the
2.2.2. Landscape
2.2.2. Landscape
2.2.2. Landscape
The central area of Canberra is an extensive cultural landscape comprising buildings, roads, parks and a lake. The area is designated for parliamentary and national capital uses.
The major features of the area include the current Parliament House with its gardens and paved areas, State Circle road cutting (geological feature), Old Parliament House and gardens, East and West Blocks, John Gorton Building (formerly Administrative Building), National Gallery of Australia, High Court of Australia, Questacon: The National Science and Technology Centre, National Library of Australia, Treasury Building, National Rose Gardens, King George V Memorial, Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Parkes Place, Reconciliation Place, Australian War Memorial, Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin, the series of memorials along Anzac Parade, Aspen Island and the Carillion, King’s Park, HMAS Canberra Memorial, Merchant Navy Memorial, Blundell’s Cottage, Commonwealth Park, Regatta Point exhibition building and restaurant, Captain Cook Memorial water jet, National Police Memorial, and extensive mature plantings and avenues of trees, such as those along Anzac Parade and the Peace Park and waterfront promenade. The area also includes fountains, roads, car parks, landscaped areas, a restaurant, kiosk and the residence of the Catholic Archbishop.
The Central National Area has a strong sense of symmetry based on the Land Axis. Parliament House, Old Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial are all located on the axis. In addition, the landscape features of Federation Mall, Parkes Place (the landscape feature not the roads) and Anzac Parade are also located on the axis. These places form part of the Parliament House Vista, a place on the Commonwealth Heritage List. Other major features in the area are generally balanced about the axis, such as East and West Blocks, the gardens of Old Parliament House, the eastern and western parts of the National Rose Gardens, the Administrative and Treasury Buildings, the National Gallery/High Court group
and the National Library/Questacon group, as well as the Carillion and the Captain Cook Memorial water jet. The road system also generally reflects the symmetrical planning of the area based on the Land Axis.
2.3. Summary history
2.3. Summary history
2.3. Summary history
The architect of Old Parliament House, and the politicians and public servants who supervised and advised him, planned a building which would meet the needs of the federal Parliament for at least 50 years; they largely succeeded, even though major changes to the use of parts of the building began within a few years, and within a decade overcrowding had become an issue. The building proved to be adaptable and always remained hospitable, despite the number of users soaring well past what had been predicted and the nature of their work changing in ways unimaginable in the 1920s. The complex interplay of space and function at Old Parliament House, with both consistent and changing uses of spaces, mirrors the rich political and parliamentary history of Australia between 1927 and 1988. Largely intact and with a well-documented history, Old Parliament House is a unique artefact of Australia’s twentieth-century political heritage.
Although planning for the new capital began in 1912, infrastructure work had hardly begun when the First World War broke out in August 1914. Burdened by huge war debts, Billy Hughes’ post-war government needed to move to Canberra quickly and cheaply, and therefore decided to build a ‘Provisional House’. The design task went to John Smith Murdoch, Chief Architect in the Department of Works. The discussion of his first proposal by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works in 1923, with evidence from a wide
3. Heritage Values
3. Heritage Values
3. Heritage Values
3.1. Method of assessment
The extensive research on the political, social and construction history of Old Parliament House (see Appendix D) has provided a comprehensive body of work from which several Statements of Significance have been developed.4 These Statements of Significance, along with the analysis of the heritage values for the National Heritage List and the Commonwealth Heritage List, formed the basis for the current Statement of Heritage Significance. Figure 6 shows the process undertaken to assess the heritage values.
Pearson, M, Betteridge, M, Marshall, D, O’Keefe, B, and Young, L, 2000, Old Parliament House Conservation Management Plan 2000, prepared for the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, and subsequent studies. This is the Conservation Management Plan 2000 (discussed more fully in Appendix G).
3.1. Method of assessment
3.1. Method of assessment
3.1. Method of assessment
The extensive research on the political, social and construction history of Old Parliament House (see Appendix D) has provided a comprehensive body of work from which several Statements of Significance have been developed.4 These Statements of Significance, along with the analysis of the heritage values for the National Heritage List and the Commonwealth Heritage List, formed the basis for the current Statement of Heritage Significance. Figure 6 shows the process undertaken to assess the heritage values.
Pearson, M, Betteridge, M, Marshall, D, O’Keefe, B, and Young, L, 2000, Old Parliament House Conservation Management Plan 2000, prepared for the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, and subsequent studies. This is the Conservation Management Plan 2000 (discussed more fully in Appendix G).
3.2. Summary Statement of Heritage Signi
3.2. Summary Statement of Heritage Significance
3.2. Summary Statement of Heritage Significance
Old Parliament House has outstanding heritage values shaped by its pivotal role in the political and social history of Australia and is an important place in the evolution of Australian democracy (Criterion A). Old Parliament House possesses outstanding heritage values related to its history, design, location, collection of movable items, social values and associations.
As the original location of the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Old Parliament House symbolises and reflects the development of Australia as a nation, and was the first purpose-built home for the Australian Parliament (Criterion A). Old Parliament House was witness to 61 years of Australian legislature, with a myriad of associated events. It was also central to the development of Canberra, the opening of Parliament heralding the symbolic birth of the nation’s capital (Criterion A). It has become a national icon, symbolic of the Commonwealth Government in Australia, and of Canberra itself, for many generations of Australians (Criterion A).
The building occupies a prominent and strategic location at the southern end of the main Land Axis of Walter Burley Griffin’s city design, and contributes to the planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary Triangle (Criteria D and E). Its setting – primarily the gardens, circling roads and parking areas – was integral to the style and use of the place (Criteria E and G).
Old Parliament House was intimately associated with the course and pattern of the nation’s political, social and historical development from its opening in 1927 until 1988 (Criterion A). The Senate and House of Representatives Chambers and Kings Hall have been the venues for significant events in the shaping of Australia’s democratic history and traditions (Criterion A). The layout of each chamber provides an insight into the workings of the Australian Parliament (Criterion A). Apart from serving as the seat of Parliament, the building bears witness to the demands of accommodating the executive arm of government within the legislature’s sphere, making it rare among parliamentary buildings in Australia and in other parts of the western world (Criterion B).
Old Parliament House represents a significant creative achievement. Although intended as a provisional structure, it was designed as a simple yet dignified building, endowed with appropriate aesthetic and formal qualities for its location and function (Criterion E). Old Parliament House exemplifies the Inter-War Stripped Classical style of architecture and is the most prominent instance of the work of the Commonwealth’s first government architect, John Smith Murdoch (Criteria D, F and H).
The design of the building, with its complementary fixtures and fittings – including Australian timber panelled walls, raked galleries, Australian timber and leather furniture, suspended light fittings, high coffered ceilings, parquet floors, skylights and clerestory windows – demonstrates the customs and functions of the Commonwealth Parliament (Criteria D, E, and F). The former Members’ Private Dining Room contains the remains of rare 1927 hand-painted wall features (Criterion B). The furniture and internal fabric of Old Parliament House reflect the everyday use of the building over more than six decades and the hierarchical nature of parliamentary staffing practices (Criterion A). Research to date indicates that the furniture in Old Parliament House is part of a rare, intact surviving record of heritage fabric comprising both furniture and documentation (Criterion B). The significant collection comprises original documentary evidence, including plans, photographs and files that directly relate to the design, construction, changes and use, and provide important historical research information (Criterion C). Specific spaces of the building are directly linked with events that shaped Australia’s political and social history, and have strong associations with prominent Australians, including Prime Ministers and parliamentarians who served between 1927 and 1988 (Criteria A and H).
Many surviving parliamentarians, support staff and media representatives have strong associations with the building and its contents (Criterion G). Its choice as the venue for important events, such as the Constitutional Convention 1998, also indicates its contemporary social value (Criterion G). The ongoing relationship with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, established in 1972, is unique in western democracy
3.3. Table of values and attributes
3.3. Table of values and attributes
3.3. Table of values and attributes
When listing a place on the Commonwealth or National Heritage List, the Australian Heritage Council makes an assessment of the place and advises the minister with responsibility for heritage of the values that the place holds. Places on the National Heritage List have been shown to possess values rated as outstanding against the criteria; places on the Commonwealth Heritage List are places managed by the Commonwealth that have been shown to have values rated as significant against the criteria.
This table shows how the attributes of the place – either tangibly in the physical fabric or intangibly in the associations and uses – support the National and Commonwealth Heritage listed values of Old Parliament House (refer to the Glossary in Appendix J).
The text is taken from the citations published by the Commonwealth agency responsible for administering the EPBC Act at the time of the listings (see Appendix C for citations).
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:16.1pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr style="height:26.95pt"><td style="width:274.3pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#dddddd"><p class="TableParagraph" style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">NATIONAL HERITAGE LISTED VALUES</span></p></td><td style="width:205.65pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#dddddd"><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-top:1.9pt; margin-right:6pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">COMMONWEALTH HERITAGE LISTED VALUES</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:15.45pt"><td colspan="2" style="width:480.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#dddddd"><p class="TableParagraph" style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Attributes key: fabric shown in </span><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00ca00">green</span><span style="font-weight:bold">; associations and uses shown in bold</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:303.8pt"><td style="width:274.3pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-top:2.05pt; font-size:12pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Criterion A: Events, Processes</span></p><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-top:5.95pt; margin-right:7.8pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="color:#00ca00">Old Parliament House </span><span>as the</span><span> </span><span>Provisional Parliament House was the </span><span style="font-weight:bold">first purpose-built home for the Australian Parliament. It was central to the development of Australia as a nation </span><span>from its opening in 1927 until the opening of the new Parliament House in 1988 and </span><span style="font-weight:bold">demonstrates Australia’s [parliamentary] political</span><span style="font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:-0.1pt"> </span><span style="font-weight:bold">process</span><span>.</span></p><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-top:1.95pt; margin-right:6.25pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Old Parliament House is a site that has provided a physical </span><span style="font-weight:bold">focus for events that reflect Australian democratic values, and political and social rights</span><span>. It also stands for the right to argue and dissent, and reflects the orderly succession of governments through the democratic process, as reflected by the seven changes of government that took place during the years in which Parliament sat in the building.</span></p><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-top:2.1pt; margin-right:5.15pt; font-size:10pt"><span>The building set the </span><span style="color:#00ca00">pattern of combining the functions of the executive arm of government and the legislative function in the one building</span><span>. This commenced with the provision of ministerial offices at the design stage followed by</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.7pt"> </span><span>Prime</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.65pt"> </span><span>Minister</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.7pt"> </span><span>James</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.6pt"> </span><span>Scullin</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.65pt"> </span><span>moving</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.7pt"> </span><span>Cabinet</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.65pt"> </span><span>meetings</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.6pt"> </span><span>into the building in 1930–31. These actions initiated the major expansion of the building to house both the legislative and executive functions of government, a pattern that continued in the design of Parliament</span><span style="letter-spacing:-0.15pt"> </span><span>House.</span></p></td><td style="width:205.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:0pt"><span></span></p><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-top:9.15pt; margin-right:9.8pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Australia’s first federal Parliament building was designed as the </span><span style="color:#00ca00">grandest element</span><span style="letter-spacing:-0.9pt; color:#00ca00"> </span><span style="color:#00ca00">and central focus </span><span>of a fully planned capital city. </span><span style="color:#00ca00">Old Parliament House </span><span>is a place of outstanding heritage values related to its </span><span style="color:#00ca00">history, design, landscape context, interiors, furnishings, courtyards and gardens, collection of movable items</span><span>, </span><span style="color:#00ca00">social values and</span><span style="letter-spacing:1.65pt; color:#00ca00"> </span><span style="color:#00ca00">associations.</span></p><p class="TableParagraph" style="margin-right:6pt; margin-left:5.45pt; font-size:10pt"><span>As the original focus of the Commonwealth Parliament and Government in Canberra, Old Parliament House is intimately associated with the </span><span style="font-weight:bold">political history of Australia</span><span>, and the development of Canberra as the capital of Australia, from</span><span style="letter-spacing:-1.25pt"> </span><span>its opening </span><span style="font-weight:bold">in 1927 </span><span>until the opening of the new Parliament House </span><span style="font-weight:bold">in 1988</span><span>. The Old Parliament House was the second home of the Parliament which was located in the Victorian Parliament House in Melbourne from</span><span style="letter-spacing:-2.1pt"> </span><span>Federation in 1901 until 1927, and was the </span><span style="color:#00ca00">first purpose-built home for the Australian</span><span style="letter-spacing:-0.1pt; color:#00ca00"> </span><span style="color:#00ca00">Parliament</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
3.4. Values management tool: mapped valu
3.4. Values management tool: mapped values
3.4. Values management tool: mapped values
To facilitate heritage management at Old Parliament House, the locations of the listed values have been mapped across the building’s floorplans. The maps illustrate where the values are located and where they overlap.
3.4.1. Sensitivity of the values to chan
3.4.1. Sensitivity of the values to change
3.4.1. Sensitivity of the values to change
The term ‘sensitivity of the values to change’ refers to the degree to which the heritage values can sustain changes to uses without any adverse impact.
Areas with a high sensitivity to change are those where even a small degree of change has the potential to affect the heritage values. These areas are likely to be ones with a high level of intact fabric which demonstrates, for example, a range of technical and creative values and historical associations. On the other hand, areas with a low sensitivity to change are those where the values can tolerate a higher level of change without suffering detrimental effects. These may be areas where the values are not so strongly embodied in the extant fabric. The mapped values are illustrated on the following pages.
The values-mapping process informed the development of the zones, which are set out in Chapter 6.
See Glossary (Appendix J) for a definition of high and low sensitivity to change.
3.5. Condition and integrity of the heri
3.5. Condition and integrity of the heritage values
3.5. Condition and integrity of the heritage values
In July 2020 an assessment of the condition of the heritage values for Old Parliament House was undertaken by an external party. Two different types of analysis were used to assess the condition and integrity of heritage values: a significant heritage fabric assessment and an assessment of the Commonwealth and National Heritage values themselves.
This assessment concluded that, overall, the fabric of Old Parliament House is in good condition with high integrity. There are a number of values – elements or spaces within the building – where the condition has improved since 2013, owing to dedicated conservation projects and routine maintenance. However, overarching statements that make an aggregate assessment of the whole building can mask the fact that particular items require immediate attention.
The detailed findings of the assessment, an explanation of the methodology used and a comparison with the findings of the 2007 and 2013 assessments can be found at Appendix H.
PART B
: MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
PART B: MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
This section of the plan outlines the Old Parliament House management framework.
Chapter 4: Statutory Management Frameworks outlines the legislative framework within which decisions about the management of the place are made.
Chapter 5: The Current Use of the Place summarises the management structure, strategic vision and current strategic plan for the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Chapter 6: Risk Management summarises the key pressures to the listed values and the management opportunities.
Chapter 7: The Policies sets out the policies to conserve and protect the identified heritage values.
Chapter 8: The Zones introduces a management tool derived from the mapping of the heritage values. Zones organise the place so that areas with like managerial requirements and objectives can be effectively managed.
Chapter 9: Use Plan illustrates the current use of the place and provides an indication of possible future uses.
Chapter 10: Monitoring and Review describes how the implementation of this management plan will monitored and reviewed.
4. Statutory Management Frameworks
4. Statutory Management Frameworks
4. Statutory Management Frameworks
4.1. Background
The management framework for Old Parliament House and Curtilage is entirely exercised by the Commonwealth, with two parties administering the area: the National Capital Authority (NCA) and Old Parliament House as a Statutory Agency.
The place sits in a broader Commonwealth Heritage listed area known as the Parliament House Vista, comprising some 260 hectares administered by the NCA, and is adjacent to other important places, buildings and landscapes.
The place must be managed as a feature in the broader landscape, as well as an individual element with its own heritage values. The key relationships are determined by the place’s symbolic location in the landscape, together with the social and historic functions performed there over time that have a broader community appeal across Australia and internationally.
The role of management is to continue to express and maintain the heritage values of the place by ameliorating risks and maintaining the attributes of the place in its setting; and to interpret and communicate the values to the broader Australian community so that the place continues to be alive and meaningful to the existence of the nation.
Management of the heritage values of Old Parliament House is undertaken within a statutory planning framework. There are four key pieces of Australian legislation that apply to the management of the place’s heritage values:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
National Capital Plan 1990
Parliament Act 1974.
The management and protection of the heritage values is integrated into the vision and strategic objectives for the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
4.2. Statutory Listings
4.2.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
The principal legislation governing the management of Old Parliament House is the EPBC Act. Under this Act Old Parliament House is responsible for ensuring the protection of the National and Commonwealth Heritage listed values pursuant to the Act. The key objectives of the Act relevant to Old Parliament House are to:
provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance
provide for the protection and conservation of heritage
promote a cooperative approach to the protection and management of the environment involving governments, the community, landholders and indigenous peoples.
The EPBC Act also identifies and defines the principle of ecologically sustainable development that should underpin management decision-making and defines key heritage management principles.
In association with the EPBC Act, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Regulations) inform the practice of meeting the Act’s requirements. Relevant sections are: Schedules
4.1. Background
4.1. Background
4.1. Background
The management framework for Old Parliament House and Curtilage is entirely exercised by the Commonwealth, with two parties administering the area: the National Capital Authority (NCA) and Old Parliament House as a Statutory Agency.
The place sits in a broader Commonwealth Heritage listed area known as the Parliament House Vista, comprising some 260 hectares administered by the NCA, and is adjacent to other important places, buildings and landscapes.
The place must be managed as a feature in the broader landscape, as well as an individual element with its own heritage values. The key relationships are determined by the place’s symbolic location in the landscape, together with the social and historic functions performed there over time that have a broader community appeal across Australia and internationally.
The role of management is to continue to express and maintain the heritage values of the place by ameliorating risks and maintaining the attributes of the place in its setting; and to interpret and communicate the values to the broader Australian community so that the place continues to be alive and meaningful to the existence of the nation.
Management of the heritage values of Old Parliament House is undertaken within a statutory planning framework. There are four key pieces of Australian legislation that apply to the management of the place’s heritage values:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
National Capital Plan 1990
Parliament Act 1974.
The management and protection of the heritage values is integrated into the vision and strategic objectives for the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
4.2. Statutory Listings
4.2. Statutory Listings
4. Statutory Management Frameworks
4.1. Background
The management framework for Old Parliament House and Curtilage is entirely exercised by the Commonwealth, with two parties administering the area: the National Capital Authority (NCA) and Old Parliament House as a Statutory Agency.
The place sits in a broader Commonwealth Heritage listed area known as the Parliament House Vista, comprising some 260 hectares administered by the NCA, and is adjacent to other important places, buildings and landscapes.
The place must be managed as a feature in the broader landscape, as well as an individual element with its own heritage values. The key relationships are determined by the place’s symbolic location in the landscape, together with the social and historic functions performed there over time that have a broader community appeal across Australia and internationally.
The role of management is to continue to express and maintain the heritage values of the place by ameliorating risks and maintaining the attributes of the place in its setting; and to interpret and communicate the values to the broader Australian community so that the place continues to be alive and meaningful to the existence of the nation.
Management of the heritage values of Old Parliament House is undertaken within a statutory planning framework. There are four key pieces of Australian legislation that apply to the management of the place’s heritage values:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
National Capital Plan 1990
Parliament Act 1974.
The management and protection of the heritage values is integrated into the vision and strategic objectives for the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
4.2. Statutory Listings
4.2.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
The principal legislation governing the management of Old Parliament House is the EPBC Act. Under this Act Old Parliament House is responsible for ensuring the protection of the National and Commonwealth Heritage listed values pursuant to the Act. The key objectives of the Act relevant to Old Parliament House are to:
provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance
provide for the protection and conservation of heritage
promote a cooperative approach to the protection and management of the environment involving governments, the community, landholders and indigenous peoples.
The EPBC Act also identifies and defines the principle of ecologically sustainable development that should underpin management decision-making and defines key heritage management principles.
In association with the EPBC Act, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Regulations) inform the practice of meeting the Act’s requirements. Relevant sections are: Schedules
4.2.1. Environment Protection and Biodiv
4.2.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
4.2.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
The principal legislation governing the management of Old Parliament House is the EPBC Act. Under this Act Old Parliament House is responsible for ensuring the protection of the National and Commonwealth Heritage listed values pursuant to the Act. The key objectives of the Act relevant to Old Parliament House are to:
provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance
provide for the protection and conservation of heritage
promote a cooperative approach to the protection and management of the environment involving governments, the community, landholders and indigenous peoples.
The EPBC Act also identifies and defines the principle of ecologically sustainable development that should underpin management decision-making and defines key heritage management principles.
In association with the EPBC Act, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Regulations) inform the practice of meeting the Act’s requirements. Relevant sections are: Schedules
4.2.2. Australian Capital Territory (Pla
4.2.2. Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
4.2.2. Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
The Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 establishes the National Capital Authority (NCA) and requires it to prepare and administer a ‘National Capital Plan’.
4.2.3. National Capital Plan 1990
4.2.3. National Capital Plan 1990
4.2.3. National Capital Plan 1990
The key statutory planning document influencing the management of Old Parliament House and Curtilage is the National Capital Plan, administered by the National Capital Authority.
The object of the National Capital Plan is to ensure that Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance. In particular, the plan seeks to preserve and enhance the special characteristics and those qualities of the National Capital which are of national significance. Areas of national significance are identified as ‘Designated Areas’, which include both ‘National Land’ (managed by the Commonwealth) and ‘Territory Land’ (managed by the ACT Government).
The plan describes the broad pattern of land use to be adopted in the development of Canberra and other relevant matters of broad policy. The plan also sets out detailed conditions for the planning, design and development of National Land.
Works within a Designated Area require written approval from the National Capital Authority and must meet these detailed conditions. Such works include:
new buildings or structures
relocation of or installation of new sculptures
landscaping
excavation
tree-felling
demolition.
Old Parliament House and Curtilage is part of the Parliamentary Zone, a Designated Area as defined in the National Capital Plan. Therefore all external ‘works’ require written approval from the National Capital Authority.
4.2.4. Parliament Act 1974
4.2.4. Parliament Act 1974
4.2.4. Parliament Act 1974
Works proposed in the Parliamentary Zone require approval of both Houses of federal Parliament. The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories may inquire into development proposals within the Parliamentary Zone and make recommendations for their approval. Specified works require approval from Parliament. In general, these provisions apply to external works, and matters of minor impact, including maintenance and repair which may be reported to the Joint Standing Committee.
4.2.5. Other codes and guidelines
4.2.5. Other codes and guidelines
4.2.5. Other codes and guidelines
The management of Old Parliament House is guided by a number of national and internationally recognised conservation guidelines, standards and codes of practice. Foundational to all conservation and heritage management decision-making is the The Burra Charter: Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013 (see Appendix E).
5. The Current Use of the Place
5. The Current Use of the Place
5. The Current Use of the Place
5.1. Background
Since 2009 Old Parliament House has been home to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). Old Parliament House is also known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
5.2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House management structure
In 2016 the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Establishing Old Parliament House) Rule 2016 established Old Parliament House as a corporate Commonwealth entity, legally separate from the Commonwealth. This Rule prescribes the functions and powers of Old Parliament House, and its management structure, including the functions and powers of the Old Parliament House Board and the role of the Director. The functions of the Board are to decide the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by Old Parliament House, and to ensure the proper and efficient performance of its functions. The Board is the accountable authority.
Old Parliament House is a statutory agency of the Australian Government. It is composed of six functional areas: People, Strategy and Museum Experience; Exhibitions, Research and Learning; Heritage, Communications and Development; Facilities and Capital Projects; Digital and Information Technology (IT); and Finance.
5.3. MoAD Strategic Plan 2018–2023
5.3.1. MoAD vision
The MoAD vision is expressed thus: Celebrating the stories and spirit of Australian democracy and the power of our voices within it.
Democracy the world over is under pressure. Trust in public institutions – government, business, media and non-government organisations – is at an historic low.6 MoAD plays a significant role in enriching understanding and appreciation of Australia’s political legacy and the intrinsic value of democracy – the capacity for people to have a say in the future of this nation.
Through our exhibitions, events, engagement and education programs we will cultivate ‘a peoples’ place’ – true to the building’s original brief – to improve understanding of democracy and the skills required to participate in it.
In a country comprising people from over 200 nations, MoAD provides a space where the varied voices that make up our nation can be heard and respected. As a trusted cultural institution, MoAD seeks to build new, mutually beneficial partnerships that will extend our reach, engagement and influence to a range of audiences.
In five years’ time this iconic building and all it represents will be a place where all of society engages with big ideas. To do this our exhibitions, outreach, visitor experiences, partnerships and events, will be richly informed by original and authoritative research. We seek to educate through entertainment and engagement, reflecting on and reinforcing Australia’s place as a leading democratic nation.
5.3.2. MoAD activities and strategic priorities
The MoAD Strategic Plan 2018–2023 is a five-year plan intended to implement the agency’s vision. It aims to be:
Since 2009 Old Parliament House has been home to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). Old Parliament House is also known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
5.2. Museum of Australian Democracy at O
5.2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House management structure
5.2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House management structure
In 2016 the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Establishing Old Parliament House) Rule 2016 established Old Parliament House as a corporate Commonwealth entity, legally separate from the Commonwealth. This Rule prescribes the functions and powers of Old Parliament House, and its management structure, including the functions and powers of the Old Parliament House Board and the role of the Director. The functions of the Board are to decide the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by Old Parliament House, and to ensure the proper and efficient performance of its functions. The Board is the accountable authority.
Old Parliament House is a statutory agency of the Australian Government. It is composed of six functional areas: People, Strategy and Museum Experience; Exhibitions, Research and Learning; Heritage, Communications and Development; Facilities and Capital Projects; Digital and Information Technology (IT); and Finance.
5.3. MoAD Strategic Plan 2018—2023
5.3. MoAD Strategic Plan 2018—2023
5. The Current Use of the Place
5.1. Background
Since 2009 Old Parliament House has been home to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). Old Parliament House is also known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
5.2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House management structure
In 2016 the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Establishing Old Parliament House) Rule 2016 established Old Parliament House as a corporate Commonwealth entity, legally separate from the Commonwealth. This Rule prescribes the functions and powers of Old Parliament House, and its management structure, including the functions and powers of the Old Parliament House Board and the role of the Director. The functions of the Board are to decide the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by Old Parliament House, and to ensure the proper and efficient performance of its functions. The Board is the accountable authority.
Old Parliament House is a statutory agency of the Australian Government. It is composed of six functional areas: People, Strategy and Museum Experience; Exhibitions, Research and Learning; Heritage, Communications and Development; Facilities and Capital Projects; Digital and Information Technology (IT); and Finance.
5.3. MoAD Strategic Plan 2018–2023
5.3.1. MoAD vision
The MoAD vision is expressed thus: Celebrating the stories and spirit of Australian democracy and the power of our voices within it.
Democracy the world over is under pressure. Trust in public institutions – government, business, media and non-government organisations – is at an historic low.6 MoAD plays a significant role in enriching understanding and appreciation of Australia’s political legacy and the intrinsic value of democracy – the capacity for people to have a say in the future of this nation.
Through our exhibitions, events, engagement and education programs we will cultivate ‘a peoples’ place’ – true to the building’s original brief – to improve understanding of democracy and the skills required to participate in it.
In a country comprising people from over 200 nations, MoAD provides a space where the varied voices that make up our nation can be heard and respected. As a trusted cultural institution, MoAD seeks to build new, mutually beneficial partnerships that will extend our reach, engagement and influence to a range of audiences.
In five years’ time this iconic building and all it represents will be a place where all of society engages with big ideas. To do this our exhibitions, outreach, visitor experiences, partnerships and events, will be richly informed by original and authoritative research. We seek to educate through entertainment and engagement, reflecting on and reinforcing Australia’s place as a leading democratic nation.
5.3.2. MoAD activities and strategic priorities
The MoAD Strategic Plan 2018–2023 is a five-year plan intended to implement the agency’s vision. It aims to be:
The MoAD vision is expressed thus: Celebrating the stories and spirit of Australian democracy and the power of our voices within it.
Democracy the world over is under pressure. Trust in public institutions – government, business, media and non-government organisations – is at an historic low.6 MoAD plays a significant role in enriching understanding and appreciation of Australia’s political legacy and the intrinsic value of democracy – the capacity for people to have a say in the future of this nation.
Through our exhibitions, events, engagement and education programs we will cultivate ‘a peoples’ place’ – true to the building’s original brief – to improve understanding of democracy and the skills required to participate in it.
In a country comprising people from over 200 nations, MoAD provides a space where the varied voices that make up our nation can be heard and respected. As a trusted cultural institution, MoAD seeks to build new, mutually beneficial partnerships that will extend our reach, engagement and influence to a range of audiences.
In five years’ time this iconic building and all it represents will be a place where all of society engages with big ideas. To do this our exhibitions, outreach, visitor experiences, partnerships and events, will be richly informed by original and authoritative research. We seek to educate through entertainment and engagement, reflecting on and reinforcing Australia’s place as a leading democratic nation.
5.3.2. MoAD activities and strategic pri
5.3.2. MoAD activities and strategic priorities
5.3.2. MoAD activities and strategic priorities
The MoAD Strategic Plan 2018–2023 is a five-year plan intended to implement the agency’s vision. It aims to be:
Old Parliament House is one of a number of heritage-listed properties in the region and one of many important buildings in the local environment. There are a number of organisations and partnerships that work together to foster an appreciation of, and improved management outcomes for, cultural heritage in the region. Old Parliament House maintains an active role in these organisations, in order to pursue continuous improvement in the management of heritage properties and to enhance the capacity and skills of people involved in the management of heritage places within the region.
The Old Parliament House management acknowledges that the community, and particularly the volunteers and associates of the place, contribute significantly to its living history and help keep it alive. In 2020 Old Parliament House has over 90 active volunteers. In 2018 a new youth volunteer program was launched to complement the existing volunteer guide program. The youth program targets those aged 18–25 years and provides volunteers with opportunities to support special events and to engage with visitors in exhibitions. Volunteers and associates are crucial to the informed interpretation and management of the place.
Old Parliament House continues to strengthen its ties with existing associates and to foster relationships with new audiences. Community connections inform the interpretation and management of the place.
Section 5.3 reproduces material in the MoAD Strategic Framework 2018–23
(available at moadoph.gov.au: Corporate Documents).
6. Risk Management
6. Risk Management
6. Risk Management
6.1. Background
Risk management is integral to the management of the National and Commonwealth Heritage values of Old Parliament House and is embedded in the policies and tools of this Heritage Management Plan. Risk management is an ongoing activity undertaken by staff to ensure that judicious decisions are made to manage the place’s heritage values.
A risk management approach is used to effectively manage changes to the place. Change is an essential activity that ensures Old Parliament House remains relevant and vital; it can present both risks and opportunities to the heritage values. Change is often necessary to ensure legislative compliance.
Compliance with legislation that protects the heritage values must be balanced with the Building Code of Australia, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cwlth), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth) and other Australian standards. Catering to the diverse needs of the various users of the place – including visitors, staff and tenants – may also prompt change activities.
The tools used to manage change at Old Parliament House include the Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11), the Permitted Action Schedule (Chapter 12), and the Old Parliament House management strategies (Chapter 13).
The Action Proposal Process is the key mechanism for considering new actions in and on the place. It includes a method for identifying, analysing and treating risks to the heritage values. Risk management enables staff to manage change effectively, so that progress at the place is achieved in harmony with the heritage values.
6.2. Summary of identified pressures on the listed values
The risks to the identified values at Old Parliament House generally fall into two categories:
risks to the fabric and form of the place
risks to the less tangible values of the place.
The effects of this first category of risks tend to be measurable. They also tend to be the risks that are more readily identifiable in advance and therefore can be prevented. These risks include:
fire, flood, theft, vandalism, natural disaster, terrorist attack etc
inappropriate conservation work resulting in damage to heritage fabric
inappropriate physical intervention (such as demolition or unsympathetic addition) of parts of Old Parliament House
inappropriate use and/or inappropriate maintenance resulting in damage to heritage fabric
the slow erosion of values through incremental change such as physical deterioration owing to aging, culminating in major impacts on the place
declining budgets and resources resulting in reduced and/or inadequate maintenance and monitoring.
The second category of risks relates principally to the less tangible values of Old Parliament House, and the need to ensure its ongoing use by, and the interpretation of its values for, a wide audience. These risks include:
a change of use to all or part of the place, or the carrying out of inappropriate activities
(including inappropriate promotions) that results in a diminution of the symbolic values of Old Parliament House or a reduction in public access
6.1. Background
6.1. Background
6.1. Background
Risk management is integral to the management of the National and Commonwealth Heritage values of Old Parliament House and is embedded in the policies and tools of this Heritage Management Plan. Risk management is an ongoing activity undertaken by staff to ensure that judicious decisions are made to manage the place’s heritage values.
A risk management approach is used to effectively manage changes to the place. Change is an essential activity that ensures Old Parliament House remains relevant and vital; it can present both risks and opportunities to the heritage values. Change is often necessary to ensure legislative compliance.
Compliance with legislation that protects the heritage values must be balanced with the Building Code of Australia, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cwlth), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth) and other Australian standards. Catering to the diverse needs of the various users of the place – including visitors, staff and tenants – may also prompt change activities.
The tools used to manage change at Old Parliament House include the Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11), the Permitted Action Schedule (Chapter 12), and the Old Parliament House management strategies (Chapter 13).
The Action Proposal Process is the key mechanism for considering new actions in and on the place. It includes a method for identifying, analysing and treating risks to the heritage values. Risk management enables staff to manage change effectively, so that progress at the place is achieved in harmony with the heritage values.
6.2. Summary of identified pressures on
6.2. Summary of identified pressures on the listed values
6.2. Summary of identified pressures on the listed values
The risks to the identified values at Old Parliament House generally fall into two categories:
risks to the fabric and form of the place
risks to the less tangible values of the place.
The effects of this first category of risks tend to be measurable. They also tend to be the risks that are more readily identifiable in advance and therefore can be prevented. These risks include:
fire, flood, theft, vandalism, natural disaster, terrorist attack etc
inappropriate conservation work resulting in damage to heritage fabric
inappropriate physical intervention (such as demolition or unsympathetic addition) of parts of Old Parliament House
inappropriate use and/or inappropriate maintenance resulting in damage to heritage fabric
the slow erosion of values through incremental change such as physical deterioration owing to aging, culminating in major impacts on the place
declining budgets and resources resulting in reduced and/or inadequate maintenance and monitoring.
The second category of risks relates principally to the less tangible values of Old Parliament House, and the need to ensure its ongoing use by, and the interpretation of its values for, a wide audience. These risks include:
a change of use to all or part of the place, or the carrying out of inappropriate activities
(including inappropriate promotions) that results in a diminution of the symbolic values of Old Parliament House or a reduction in public access
6.3. Summary of identified opportunities
6.3. Summary of identified opportunities for the protection of the heritage values
6.3. Summary of identified opportunities for the protection of the heritage values
The risks to the heritage values of Old Parliament House are generally manageable through proper planning. All potential risks to Old Parliament House are effectively managed through the Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11).
Risks to the heritage values can be minimised through promoting the place in the mind of the public. In particular, harnessing of its symbolic status, and telling the story of Australian democracy and the place’s history in an engaging and exciting manner, will help minimise risks to some of the less tangible values of Old Parliament House. Opportunities for promotion and interpretation should be taken up and carried out in partnership with other bodies, as appropriate. They need to be supported by an ongoing research program, which will also ensure that important associations between spaces, things and people are not lost.
Changes in use (including new tenants, functions, events and other activities) can also provide opportunities to enhance the heritage values of Old Parliament House and provide opportunities for its improved ongoing community use, conservation and interpretation.
6.4. The management response
6.4. The management response
6.4. The management response
The outcomes of the risk analysis are manifested in the Heritage Management Plan at a number of levels. They have informed the design of the zones, statements of intent and the objectives devised to manage the heritage values within them. Similarly, they have informed the many policies contained within the Heritage Management Plan, as well as other agency management documents for collections, learning, disasters etc. Together, the objectives and policies (and the action framework developed to give them effect) proactively address the identified threats to Old Parliament House’s heritage values. They establish an assessment procedure for all actions and provide clear direction in relation to conservation, consultation, interpretation, monitoring of works, training and general management. They also respond to the identified opportunities for improved heritage management by identifying steps that might be taken to more effectively tell the stories of the place while making appropriate use of its internal spaces and movable heritage without any adverse impact on heritage values.
7. Policies
7. Policies
7. Policies
7.1. Background
The policies are derived from a consideration of:
the heritage values of Old Parliament House
the identified risks to those values
the uses, constraints and opportunities affecting the place.
The policies form a framework for the management of the heritage values of Old Parliament House in their sociocultural, commercial and environmental context. (See Appendix G for the rationales and commentaries supporting the policies.)
The policies inform the zones and their statements of intent and objectives (see Zones, Chapter 8).
The zones enact the intent of the policy framework in relation to the conservation and management of the different areas of the building which embody the diverse aspects of the heritage values.
The specific tasks associated with these policies are described in the Implementation Plan (see Chapter 14).
7.2. The Policies
There are eight key policy areas:
Conservation
This policy provides the framework for the physical conservation of the heritage values of Old Parliament House. It outlines the framework for undertaking conservation work, conservation management activities and ongoing research.
Management approach
This policy provides the framework for assessing and making robust decisions about Action Proposals.
Documentation and monitoring
This policy provides for the recording of change at Old Parliament House and for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the policies.
Communication and interpretation
This policy provides for consultation with community and stakeholders and for the interpretation and promotion of the heritage values of the place.
Existing and future uses
This policy provides the framework for the continuation or cessation of existing uses and for the facilitation of new uses.
Access, security, plant and services
This policy provides for the conservation of the heritage values of Old Parliament House in the context of facilitating access, security requirements, plant and services.
Acquisitions, disposals and leasing
This policy provides direction for accessioning, deaccessioning, leasing and other forms of disposal or acquisition of parts of Old Parliament House, including movable heritage.
7.1. Background
7.1. Background
7.1. Background
The policies are derived from a consideration of:
the heritage values of Old Parliament House
the identified risks to those values
the uses, constraints and opportunities affecting the place.
The policies form a framework for the management of the heritage values of Old Parliament House in their sociocultural, commercial and environmental context. (See Appendix G for the rationales and commentaries supporting the policies.)
The policies inform the zones and their statements of intent and objectives (see Zones, Chapter 8).
The zones enact the intent of the policy framework in relation to the conservation and management of the different areas of the building which embody the diverse aspects of the heritage values.
The specific tasks associated with these policies are described in the Implementation Plan (see Chapter 14).
7.2. The Policies
7.2. The Policies
7.2. The Policies
There are eight key policy areas:
Conservation
This policy provides the framework for the physical conservation of the heritage values of Old Parliament House. It outlines the framework for undertaking conservation work, conservation management activities and ongoing research.
Management approach
This policy provides the framework for assessing and making robust decisions about Action Proposals.
Documentation and monitoring
This policy provides for the recording of change at Old Parliament House and for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the policies.
Communication and interpretation
This policy provides for consultation with community and stakeholders and for the interpretation and promotion of the heritage values of the place.
Existing and future uses
This policy provides the framework for the continuation or cessation of existing uses and for the facilitation of new uses.
Access, security, plant and services
This policy provides for the conservation of the heritage values of Old Parliament House in the context of facilitating access, security requirements, plant and services.
Acquisitions, disposals and leasing
This policy provides direction for accessioning, deaccessioning, leasing and other forms of disposal or acquisition of parts of Old Parliament House, including movable heritage.
8. Zones
8. Zones
8. Zones
8.1. Background
The zones are the first point of call in the process of undertaking an action. They provide an initial snapshot of the heritage values of the place, and an indication of how spaces can and cannot be used or changed.
The zones have been developed based on the mapped heritage values of the place and their sensitivity to change. They provide a summary of the layering of these heritage values and emphasise areas where multiple values exist. They also encapsulate the overarching framework of linked management requirements and policies. Permitted actions apply to specific zones, this is described in more detail in Chapter 12.
The zones seek to convey these heritage values and managerial requirements by providing statements of intent supported by objectives. These statements of intent and objectives capture the intent of the policies and the core principles in order to assist in planning and decision-making.
Old Parliament House is divided into six zones:
Landmark Zone: the setting; the façade and other external faces; front, rear and side entrances; courtyards and light wells; plantings.
Chambers Zone: the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers; King’s Hall and the stairs leading to it; Public and Press Galleries.
Politics and Party Zone: all offices, suites and lobbies surrounding the Chambers Zone on the Main Floor; the Parliamentary Library; all offices and committee rooms on the lower floor surrounding the House of Representatives and Senate under-chambers and downstairs areas.
House of Representatives and Senate Wing Zone: the House of Representatives and Senate Wings.
Ancillary Functions Zone: the Members’ Dining Room and Kitchen; Billiard Room; Members’ Bar; Members’ Private Dining Room; Non-Members’ Bar; plant rooms; storage rooms; basements and courtyards.
Movable Heritage Zone: all objects and furniture designed and built, or acquired, during the period in which the Australian Parliament resided in the place.
Many management objectives are common across all of the zones.
8.1.1. Landmark Zone
Rationale
This zone brings together a discrete suite of architectural, symbolic and landscape elements that can coherently and logically be considered as a single unit. The external appearance and setting of Old Parliament House are essential to the building’s landmark status and to the integrated urban design of the capital city conceived by Walter Burley Griffin. The façade and exterior faces are the most public, prominent and recognisable elements of the building and have been maintained in a single style and colour through different phases of modification or addition. As a result, the exteriors of all periods share the same heritage values and demand the same or similar management regimes. The front and rear entrances are integral to the Landmark Zone. Significant exteriors also continue throughout the building’s internal courtyards. These courtyards reflect a continuity of Murdoch’s aesthetic. The immediate curtilage to the building, including the grassed areas, trees and rose gardens, is an important component of the setting that remains within the landscape.
Location
Spaces: the setting; the façade and other external faces; front, rear and side entrances.
8.1. Background
8.1. Background
8.1. Background
The zones are the first point of call in the process of undertaking an action. They provide an initial snapshot of the heritage values of the place, and an indication of how spaces can and cannot be used or changed.
The zones have been developed based on the mapped heritage values of the place and their sensitivity to change. They provide a summary of the layering of these heritage values and emphasise areas where multiple values exist. They also encapsulate the overarching framework of linked management requirements and policies. Permitted actions apply to specific zones, this is described in more detail in Chapter 12.
The zones seek to convey these heritage values and managerial requirements by providing statements of intent supported by objectives. These statements of intent and objectives capture the intent of the policies and the core principles in order to assist in planning and decision-making.
Old Parliament House is divided into six zones:
Landmark Zone: the setting; the façade and other external faces; front, rear and side entrances; courtyards and light wells; plantings.
Chambers Zone: the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers; King’s Hall and the stairs leading to it; Public and Press Galleries.
Politics and Party Zone: all offices, suites and lobbies surrounding the Chambers Zone on the Main Floor; the Parliamentary Library; all offices and committee rooms on the lower floor surrounding the House of Representatives and Senate under-chambers and downstairs areas.
House of Representatives and Senate Wing Zone: the House of Representatives and Senate Wings.
Ancillary Functions Zone: the Members’ Dining Room and Kitchen; Billiard Room; Members’ Bar; Members’ Private Dining Room; Non-Members’ Bar; plant rooms; storage rooms; basements and courtyards.
Movable Heritage Zone: all objects and furniture designed and built, or acquired, during the period in which the Australian Parliament resided in the place.
Many management objectives are common across all of the zones.
8.1.1. Landmark Zone
8.1.1. Landmark Zone
8.1.1. Landmark Zone
Rationale
This zone brings together a discrete suite of architectural, symbolic and landscape elements that can coherently and logically be considered as a single unit. The external appearance and setting of Old Parliament House are essential to the building’s landmark status and to the integrated urban design of the capital city conceived by Walter Burley Griffin. The façade and exterior faces are the most public, prominent and recognisable elements of the building and have been maintained in a single style and colour through different phases of modification or addition. As a result, the exteriors of all periods share the same heritage values and demand the same or similar management regimes. The front and rear entrances are integral to the Landmark Zone. Significant exteriors also continue throughout the building’s internal courtyards. These courtyards reflect a continuity of Murdoch’s aesthetic. The immediate curtilage to the building, including the grassed areas, trees and rose gardens, is an important component of the setting that remains within the landscape.
Location
Spaces: the setting; the façade and other external faces; front, rear and side entrances.
8.1.2. Chambers Zone
8.1.2. Chambers Zone
8.1.2. Chambers Zone
Rationale
The House of Representatives Chamber, the Senate Chamber, King’s Hall and its stairs, and the Galleries comprise a suite of contiguous spaces linked by Murdoch’s design, symbolic association and historical function. They have served as the physical and functional core of the building since its construction and represent the workings of Australia’s democratic system in physical and symbolic terms. The two debating Chambers are linked by a ceremonial space and are accessible to the public through the galleries and formal entrance. This collection of spaces is where the core business of government – in particular, the primary function of debating and passing of legislation – occurred. The spaces in this zone represent all the heritage values of the place.
Location
Spaces: the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers; King’s Hall; stairs leading to King’s Hall; Public and Press Galleries and offices.
Statement of intent
To conserve and interpret the values so that the zone remains the aesthetic and symbolic core of the place, and continues its role as a principal tool for telling the story of Australian democracy.
Objectives
To facilitate public access for the purposes of telling the story of Australian democracy and the physical evolution of the place, without having an adverse impact on the heritage values. (Refer to Policies 4 and 6)
To ensure the significant physical and intangible relationships between this and other zones are not compromised by inappropriate change or use. (Refer to Policy 5)
To ensure that significant associations between the movable heritage elements and spaces are identified, retained and interpreted after documentation. (Refer to Policies 1 and 4)
To ensure that the significant fabric and spaces are researched, monitored and conserved to the highest heritage standards. (Refer to Policy 1)
To remove intrusive elements where appropriate. (Refer to Policy 1)
To prevent undesirable change to the fabric which reduces its heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
To ensure that this zone is managed in accordance with the policies contained within the Heritage Management Plan.
To ensure that any change of use is consistent with the place’s heritage values and does not detract from the relationship of the place to its wider setting. (Refer to Policies 2 and 5).
8.1.3. Politics and Party Zone
8.1.3. Politics and Party Zone
8.1.3. Politics and Party Zone
Rationale
The spaces within this zone were historically occupied by politicians and staff integral to the functioning of Parliament and the political process. They were occupied variously by those attached to the Senate or to the House of Representatives, by ministers and their staff and by members of the Opposition and their staff. It was within these spaces that the machinery of party politics operated, less publicly than in the spaces in the Chambers Zone (the debating chambers). It was in this zone that essentially ‘party-political’ decisions were made within a confined space that created a distinctively intimate environment.
The spaces, their furnishings and fittings share many of the same heritage values. They form a clearly readable spatial arrangement that encircle the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers on the Main Floor and the Lower Floor. They were witness to major events of Australian political history, often played out behind closed doors, and were occupied by some of the most prominent figures in Australian political history. The spaces, furnishings and fittings within this zone make up a suite of related spaces which share former functions and a common history.
Location
Spaces: all offices; suites and lobbies surrounding the Chambers zone on the Main Floor; the Parliamentary Library; all offices, lobbies and committee rooms and Parliamentary Broadcasting and ABC Studio on the lower floor surrounding the under-chambers and downstairs areas.
Statement of intent
To conserve and interpret the values within this zone, while ensuring public access.
Objectives
To facilitate appropriate public access for the purposes of telling the story of Australian democracy and the physical evolution of the place without having an adverse impact on the heritage values. (Refer to Policies 4 and 6)
To ensure the significant physical and intangible relationships between the spaces making up this and other zones are not compromised by inappropriate change or use. (Refer to Policy 5)
To ensure that significant associations between the movable heritage elements and spaces are identified, retained and interpreted after documentation. (Refer to Policies 1 and 4)
To ensure that the significant fabric and spaces are researched, monitored and conserved to a standard appropriate to their heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
To remove intrusive elements where appropriate. (Refer to Policy 1)
To prevent undesirable change to the fabric which reduces its heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
To ensure that this zone is managed in accordance with the policies contained within the Heritage Management Plan.
To ensure that any change or use is consistent with the place’s heritage values and does not detract from the relationship of the place to its wider setting. (Refer to Policies 2 and 5)
8.1.4. House of Representatives and Sena
8.1.4. House of Representatives and Senate Wing Zone
8.1.4. House of Representatives and Senate Wing Zone
Rationale
From their construction in the 1960s until 1988, the House of Representatives Wing and Senate Wing were occupied principally by ministerial and members’ offices. The construction was the result of the expansion of the Parliament and government in response to the growing population of Australia. As such they share many characteristics of the Politics and Party Zone, although with a shorter history and generally fewer associations. Collectively, these offices have a shared history and function and similar social values and associations.
The location, spatial arrangement and confined spaces within this zone collectively reflect the growing and changing needs of the Parliament from its original construction through to the move in 1988. The wings were an addition to the original building and stand alone from the original design concept. The heritage values embodied in this zone have been compromised by recent contamination remediation works, which removed large amounts of original fabric and consequently reduced the ability of the fabric to demonstrate its values and associations.
Location
Spaces: the House of Representatives and Senate Wings.
Statement of intent
To facilitate new uses consistent with the heritage values of the zone, while conserving and interpreting those values and ensuring the interpretation of former uses.
Objectives
To facilitate public access for the purposes of telling the story of Australian democracy and the physical evolution of the place, without having an adverse impact on the heritage values. (Refer to Policies 4 and 6)
To ensure the significant physical and intangible relationships between the spaces making up this and other zones are not compromised by inappropriate change or use. (Refer to Policy 5)
To ensure that this zone is managed in accordance with the policies contained within the Heritage Management Plan.
To ensure that any change or use is consistent with the place’s heritage values and does not detract from the relationship of the place to its wider setting. (Refer to Policies 2 and 5)
To prevent undesirable change to the fabric which reduces its heritage values.
8.1.5. Ancillary Functions Zone
8.1.5. Ancillary Functions Zone
8.1.5. Ancillary Functions Zone
Rationale
The spaces and other elements within this zone collectively relate to the activities undertaken essentially outside of the direct functions of government and of the Parliament. The zone principally embodies those areas relating to services, dining, recreation and storage.
The spaces for these activities are grouped together at the rear of the building on the Main Floor, on the Lower Floor for staff and non-members, and in basement areas. This is a reflection of design intent and is supported by the continuity of use. The designation of these facilities within a single zone conforms with the spatial, historical and functional logic of the areas, while the values embodied by this zone are common to all its principal areas. Many of the spaces were designed to be utilitarian workspaces or areas intended to be modified on an ongoing basis in response to the changing needs of the place. Many parts of the zone have also been modified over time with the result that the heritage values have been compromised to varying degrees.
Location
Spaces: the Members’ Dining Room and Kitchen; Billiard Room; Members’ Bar; Former Members’ Private Dining Room; Non-Members’ Bar; plant rooms; storage rooms; basements and courtyards.
Statement of intent
To continue to provide services and facilities consistent with the heritage values of the zone, while ensuring the conservation and interpretation of heritage values.
Objectives
To provide opportunities for appropriate functions, events and activities without compromising heritage values. (Refer to Policies 4 and 6)
To facilitate public access for the purposes of telling the story of Australian democracy and the physical evolution of the place, without having an adverse impact on the heritage values.
(Refer to Policies 4 and 6)
To ensure the significant physical and intangible relationships between the spaces making up this and other zones are not compromised by inappropriate change or use. (Refer to Policy 5)
To ensure that significant associations between the movable heritage elements and spaces are identified, retained and interpreted after appropriate documentation. (Refer to Policies 1 and 4)
To ensure that the significant fabric and spaces are researched, monitored and conserved to a standard appropriate to their heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
To remove intrusive elements where appropriate. (Refer to Policy 1)
To prevent undesirable change to the fabric which reduces its heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
To ensure that this zone is managed in accordance with the policies contained within the Heritage Management Plan.
8.1.6. Movable Heritage Zone
8.1.6. Movable Heritage Zone
8.1.6. Movable Heritage Zone
Rationale
The movable heritage at Old Parliament House comprises a collection of artefacts with strong mutual associations between each other and to the building which together represent all the phases of the place’s development and its occupants. The mutual associations of the individual pieces of the collection mean that their value is greater than the sum of the parts. As a result, they may be regarded as a suite of related items requiring management. The collection embodies all of the heritage values at Old Parliament House and comprises an excellent representative sample in the broader context of Australian twentieth-century interior design and the fine and decorative arts. Individual items embody some or all of those values in their own right.
Statement of intent
To conserve and augment the movable heritage collection, while using it to tell the story of Old Parliament House.
Objectives
To ensure that significant associations between the individual elements and sets of movable elements and spaces are researched, maintained and enhanced. (Refer to Policy 1)
To restore elements of movable heritage to the context that interprets their heritage values. (Refer to Policy 4)
To facilitate appropriate display for public access for the purposes of telling the story of Old Parliament House and the physical evolution of the collection without having an adverse impact on its heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
To encourage the repatriation of objects that have been removed from the place. (Refer to Policy 1)
To develop the collection through appropriate acquisitions. (Refer to Policies 1 and 7)
To ensure that conservation, research and storage methods are of a standard appropriate to the heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
To ensure that this zone is managed in accordance with the policies contained within the Heritage Management Plan.
9. Use Plan
9. Use Plan
9. Use Plan
9.1. Background
This Use Plan provides a broad sense of the current and possible changes to the use of the place.
Changes to the use of the place will be informed by the organisational strategic vision and elements in the Heritage Management Plan, including the core principles, policies and zones. Any changes to the use of the place must consider the long-term integrity of the heritage values of the place and be subject to approval through the Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11) and must consider Policy 5 in this Heritage Management Plan.
9.2. Potential future uses
The use of the place, in particular any changes to it, will be reviewed and analysed in conjunction with the five-yearly reviews of the Heritage Management Plan.
Future uses will consider:
the heritage values of the place and their interpretation
how to monitor the impact of the change
the corporate objectives and the impact on organisational functionality
the care of the movable heritage collection. Future uses may trend towards:
increased visitor access
better disability access
opening up more areas of the building for exhibition, interpretation and learning activities
increased use of space for office accommodation
the provision of long-term collection storage solutions
the consolidation of use activities in the building by grouping activities of the same category in the same physical locations.
9.3. Use Plan 2020
The following map shows how the building is used in 2020. Approved uses include the following:
Interpretation: Interpretation refers to both long- and short-term displays. Interpreted spaces often incorporate rooms that have been conserved and re-created to a particular era, to interpret the history and values of Old Parliament House. Interpreted spaces may include exhibition material, such as showcases, objects, labels, digital and multimedia content.
Exhibition: Exhibitions are long- and short-term displays that may include showcases, objects, labels, digital and multimedia content. Exhibition material may relate to Old Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House Collection, the Australian Parliament, Australia’s social and political history, or democracy.
Learning: Learning activities include public programs for on-site and digital visitors. Learning spaces may include an exhibition element.
Storage: Storage is for the collection and for museum support activities.
Support services: Support services include kitchens, plant rooms, lifts, basements and stairs.
9.1. Background
9.1. Background
9.1. Background
This Use Plan provides a broad sense of the current and possible changes to the use of the place.
Changes to the use of the place will be informed by the organisational strategic vision and elements in the Heritage Management Plan, including the core principles, policies and zones. Any changes to the use of the place must consider the long-term integrity of the heritage values of the place and be subject to approval through the Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11) and must consider Policy 5 in this Heritage Management Plan.
9.2. Potential future uses
9.2. Potential future uses
9.2. Potential future uses
The use of the place, in particular any changes to it, will be reviewed and analysed in conjunction with the five-yearly reviews of the Heritage Management Plan.
Future uses will consider:
the heritage values of the place and their interpretation
how to monitor the impact of the change
the corporate objectives and the impact on organisational functionality
the care of the movable heritage collection. Future uses may trend towards:
increased visitor access
better disability access
opening up more areas of the building for exhibition, interpretation and learning activities
increased use of space for office accommodation
the provision of long-term collection storage solutions
the consolidation of use activities in the building by grouping activities of the same category in the same physical locations.
9.3. Use Plan 2020
9.3. Use Plan 2020
9.3. Use Plan 2020
The following map shows how the building is used in 2020. Approved uses include the following:
Interpretation: Interpretation refers to both long- and short-term displays. Interpreted spaces often incorporate rooms that have been conserved and re-created to a particular era, to interpret the history and values of Old Parliament House. Interpreted spaces may include exhibition material, such as showcases, objects, labels, digital and multimedia content.
Exhibition: Exhibitions are long- and short-term displays that may include showcases, objects, labels, digital and multimedia content. Exhibition material may relate to Old Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House Collection, the Australian Parliament, Australia’s social and political history, or democracy.
Learning: Learning activities include public programs for on-site and digital visitors. Learning spaces may include an exhibition element.
Storage: Storage is for the collection and for museum support activities.
Support services: Support services include kitchens, plant rooms, lifts, basements and stairs.
10. Monitoring and Review
10. Monitoring and Review
10. Monitoring and Review
10.1. Monitoring
The implementation of this plan will be monitored through the following methods:
Condition of values
The condition of values will be fully assessed at the time of the next review. Aspects of the tangible and intangible values will be monitored in a targeted way in association with changing uses and other actions.
Action Proposal Process
All action assessment decisions by the Actions Committee will be recorded. Action Proposals and assessments will all describe the expected effects on the heritage values. The outcome of the action once implemented will also be recorded by the committee (see Chapter 11).
Permitted actions
Any actions that sit outside the Permitted Action Schedule will be assessed by the Actions Committee and may be added to the schedule if required (see Chapter 12).
Implementation Plan
The Implementation Plan will be assessed annually for progress and to ensure business plans capture the requirements of the plan by the Manager responsible for Heritage (see Chapter 14).
10.2. Review
This Heritage Management Plan will be reviewed every five years in accordance with section 341X (Commonwealth Heritage Places) and section 324W (National Heritage Places) of the EPBC Act. A review will also be undertaken if any of the following occur:
the Commonwealth Heritage values or National Heritage values of the place change
major changes are proposed.
Future reviews may be conducted by an external party. Future reviews may be confined to possible amendments associated with:
pertinent new research findings or information
emergence of important previously unforeseen management issues that may have an impact on the heritage values of the place
the result of monitoring programs, where they indicate that the policies contained in the plan do not achieve the stated management objectives.
The plan will remain in force until such time as a new plan is adopted.
10.1. Monitoring
10.1. Monitoring
10.1. Monitoring
The implementation of this plan will be monitored through the following methods:
Condition of values
The condition of values will be fully assessed at the time of the next review. Aspects of the tangible and intangible values will be monitored in a targeted way in association with changing uses and other actions.
Action Proposal Process
All action assessment decisions by the Actions Committee will be recorded. Action Proposals and assessments will all describe the expected effects on the heritage values. The outcome of the action once implemented will also be recorded by the committee (see Chapter 11).
Permitted actions
Any actions that sit outside the Permitted Action Schedule will be assessed by the Actions Committee and may be added to the schedule if required (see Chapter 12).
Implementation Plan
The Implementation Plan will be assessed annually for progress and to ensure business plans capture the requirements of the plan by the Manager responsible for Heritage (see Chapter 14).
10.2. Review
10.2. Review
10.2. Review
This Heritage Management Plan will be reviewed every five years in accordance with section 341X (Commonwealth Heritage Places) and section 324W (National Heritage Places) of the EPBC Act. A review will also be undertaken if any of the following occur:
the Commonwealth Heritage values or National Heritage values of the place change
major changes are proposed.
Future reviews may be conducted by an external party. Future reviews may be confined to possible amendments associated with:
pertinent new research findings or information
emergence of important previously unforeseen management issues that may have an impact on the heritage values of the place
the result of monitoring programs, where they indicate that the policies contained in the plan do not achieve the stated management objectives.
The plan will remain in force until such time as a new plan is adopted.
10.2.1. Summary of previous review proce
10.2.1. Summary of previous review processes
10.2.1. Summary of previous review processes
2013 Review
In 2013 the first version of this Heritage Management Plan was reviewed by Old Parliament House staff. The main factors involved in the review were:
extensive consultation with Old Parliament House staff and key stakeholders (for example, the National Capital Authority and the Department of Environment) regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the 2008–2013 plan
notices inviting comment from the public published in a daily newspaper and on the agency website or social media sites
research on the implementation of the plan
an external assessment of the condition of the place in relation to heritage values as of 2013.
The feedback and results gained from these processes informed the amendments that in turn became the second version of this plan. Much of the feedback centred on the refinement of the implementation tools for the plan, with very little suggestion that policies and zones should be changed.
2020 Review
In 2020 a review was undertaken of the second version of this plan. The plan was reviewed Old Parliament House staff. The main factors involved in the review were:
extensive consultation with Old Parliament House staff, volunteers and key stakeholders (for example, the National Capital Authority and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment) regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the 2015–2020 plan
notices inviting comment from the public published in a daily newspaper and on the agency web and social media sites
review of the Action Proposal Process
development of the Heritage Management Interactive to improve the Action Proposal web form
integration of subsidiary management documents with the Heritage Management Plan, including the Old Parliament House management strategies
an external assessment of the condition of the place in relation to heritage values as of 2020.
The feedback and results from these processes informed the amendments that in turn became the third version of this plan. Much of the feedback centred on the refinement of the implementation tools for the plan. Very few changes were made to the policies and zones.
PART C
MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
PART C: MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
Part C of the plan outlines the management tools and associated implementation processes.
Chapter 11: Action Proposal Process sets out this key decision-making tool which is designed to implement the conservation policies and fulfil statutory requirements.
Chapter 12:The Permitted Action Schedule lists those actions that will have no adverse impact on the heritage values and do not require formal action assessment and approval.
Chapter 13: Old Parliament House Management Strategies describes how management strategies provide further guidance to staff managing the listed values.
Chapter 14: Implementation Plan identifies who will be responsible for implementing this Heritage Management Plan and its associated policies, and provides a timeframe for the policy implementation.
Chapter 15: Heritage Management Interactive describes how a web-based tool integrates
information from this Heritage Management Plan with the building and collection database to assist staff in management decision making.
11. Action Proposal Process
11. Action Proposal Process
11. Action Proposal Process
11.1. Background
The Action Proposal Process captures all relevant proposed actions in and on Old Parliament House
and provides a robust, transparent process for planning and decision-making. All decisions about matters which have the potential to have an impact on the heritage values and that require expert advice are addressed through this process.
The process is designed to fulfil the requirements of:
Schedule 5A Management Plans for National Heritage Places Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 and Schedule 7A Management Plans for Commonwealth Heritage Places Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000.
and for external proposed actions:
Section 12(1)(b) of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
Appendix T6: Parliamentary Zone Master Plan of the National Capital Plan
The Parliament Act 1974.
The Action Proposal Process has been derived from consideration of the:
core principles
mapped heritage values
zones
policies
historical research for the room/area
physical description and condition data for room/area.
11.2. How to use the Action Proposal Process
The Action Proposal Process is constructed around the zones and policies that provide relevant information on the place. The steps to follow when proposing an action are outlined below.
Actions include activities, projects, developments and undertakings that will occur on or in Old Parliament House and are more fully defined in the Glossary (see Appendix J). The Implementation Plan (see Chapter 14) is a list of tasks that enact the policies. While the Implementation Plan may be a starting point from which Action Proposals begin, it is in no way comprehensive and does not capture many of the events undertaken in the operation of Old Parliament House.
The Action Proposal Process begins with the identification of a proposed action and its location. The next step involves reference to this Heritage Management Plan to determine the zone in which the proposed action will take place; this can be done either via the Heritage Management Interactive or via an electronic or hardcopy of the plan. The determination of the zone will give an overview of the values and appropriate activities of the space.
From the zones, a check of the Permitted Action Schedule (see Chapter 12) will allow the responsible party to determine whether the action is allowed – following the guidelines of the schedule – or whether it will require assessment by the Actions Committee.
11.1. Background
11.1. Background
11.1. Background
The Action Proposal Process captures all relevant proposed actions in and on Old Parliament House
and provides a robust, transparent process for planning and decision-making. All decisions about matters which have the potential to have an impact on the heritage values and that require expert advice are addressed through this process.
The process is designed to fulfil the requirements of:
Schedule 5A Management Plans for National Heritage Places Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 and Schedule 7A Management Plans for Commonwealth Heritage Places Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000.
and for external proposed actions:
Section 12(1)(b) of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988
Appendix T6: Parliamentary Zone Master Plan of the National Capital Plan
The Parliament Act 1974.
The Action Proposal Process has been derived from consideration of the:
core principles
mapped heritage values
zones
policies
historical research for the room/area
physical description and condition data for room/area.
11.2. How to use the Action Proposal Pro
11.2. How to use the Action Proposal Process
11.2. How to use the Action Proposal Process
The Action Proposal Process is constructed around the zones and policies that provide relevant information on the place. The steps to follow when proposing an action are outlined below.
Actions include activities, projects, developments and undertakings that will occur on or in Old Parliament House and are more fully defined in the Glossary (see Appendix J). The Implementation Plan (see Chapter 14) is a list of tasks that enact the policies. While the Implementation Plan may be a starting point from which Action Proposals begin, it is in no way comprehensive and does not capture many of the events undertaken in the operation of Old Parliament House.
The Action Proposal Process begins with the identification of a proposed action and its location. The next step involves reference to this Heritage Management Plan to determine the zone in which the proposed action will take place; this can be done either via the Heritage Management Interactive or via an electronic or hardcopy of the plan. The determination of the zone will give an overview of the values and appropriate activities of the space.
From the zones, a check of the Permitted Action Schedule (see Chapter 12) will allow the responsible party to determine whether the action is allowed – following the guidelines of the schedule – or whether it will require assessment by the Actions Committee.
11.3. Documentation
11.3. Documentation
11.3. Documentation
Action Proposal Form
All actions are recorded as per Policy 3.1. Documentation of this Heritage Management plan.
The Action Proposal Form is completed using the Heritage Management Interactive (see Chapter 14).
Once an action has been endorsed by the committee and approved by the Delegate, two additional processes – the Action Amendment and the Project Record – are used to facilitate and record approval for work that is subsequent to, and associated with, an approved action.
Action Amendment
Action Amendments are used to gain approval for significant activities within an action project that has already been approved by the Delegate. They are often used on large-scale projects that have been approved in-principle via the Actions Committee process. In such circumstances, detailed information about the project is often only available after initial scoping, and the Action Amendment process is used to document and seek approval from the Actions Committee and Delegate for the specific methodology and details of the project that has been approved in-principle. This type of amendment has been used to cover whole-of-site projects, including lighting upgrades and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) upgrades. An Action Amendment may also be used during the life of a project when issues arise or unexpected changes occur. In such instances, amendments document significant action details, such as additional works not covered in the original scope or a significant change in project methodology.
Action Amendments are prepared as a minute by the project officer, and require Actions Committee endorsement and Delegate approval before the specified work can be undertaken. Action Amendments are filed by the Actions Committee Secretariat with the relevant Action Proposal Form.
Project Record
The Project Record for approved actions is a form used to document and gain approval for minor activities within an action project that has already been approved by the Delegate. The Project Record for Approved Actions template is completed by the project officer in consultation with the Heritage and Collections Section and, if required, with other Old Parliament House staff or technical specialists.
Project Records do not require consideration by the Actions Committee; they are approved by Heritage staff and filed by the Actions Committee Secretariat with the relevant Action Proposal Form. Work cannot proceed without authorisation from the Manager of Heritage and Collections.
11.3.1. Other documentation
11.3.1. Other documentation
11.3.1. Other documentation
Minutes
Minutes are used to formally present management information, such as new management strategies, heritage studies, and collection storage projects to the Actions Committee for consideration and endorsement before going to the Delegate for approval. The Actions Committee Secretariat files the minute
12. Permitted Action Schedule
12. Permitted Action Schedule
12. Permitted Action Schedule
12.1. Introduction
The Permitted Action Schedule provides detailed guidelines on how permitted actions are to be undertaken. ‘Permitted actions’ are those actions which, if carried out according to the Permitted Action Schedule, will have no adverse impact on the heritage values, and therefore do not require formal action assessment and approval. Formal assessment and approval has been deemed granted for the Permitted Action Schedule under this plan. In other words, most routine or well-defined and planned actions that have been developed and refined for the place have been assessed for their ability to comply with the policies of this plan and their impact on the heritage value and have been documented as permitted in these schedules.
The Permitted Action Schedule provides a mechanism for implementing the policies and zone objectives set out in this plan. It provides both guidance for new staff and contractors and a way of reinforcing appropriate heritage management practice during daily or regular activities for existing staff and contractors. Any proposed action that is not outlined in the Permitted Action Schedule must be referred through an Action Proposal Form for approval.
Any staff member is welcome to make a submission to the Actions Committee with a proposal to undertake any action that falls outside the limits of these permitted actions. Any action not described below must be considered in the context of managing the risk to the heritage fabric and the heritage values. This schedule can be updated with the approval of the Actions Committee.
12.2. Definitions
Contractor: a person or business that provides goods or services to Old Parliament House or otherwise operates in Old Parliament House but who are not staff, tenants or volunteers.
Exhibition: displays of exhibition material that includes but is not limited to showcases, objects, labels, plinths, multimedia equipment; usually long-term (that is, greater than one month display time).
Handling: physical movement of heritage items.
Heritage fabric: any pre-1988 building or collection material.
Heritage values: physical and intangible values as described in the National and Commonwealth Heritage listing for the place (see Section A).
Housekeeping: maintenance through cleaning and preventive conservation.
Interpreted spaces: rooms that have been conserved and re-created to a particular era to interpret
the history and values of Old Parliament House; these will include heritage furniture and may also include showcases, labels and multimedia equipment.
Movable heritage items: all pre-1988 collection pieces associated with the place.
Events (short-term): regular or one-off events or repeated programs in the place that include, but are not limited to, catered events, theatrical performances, concerts and lectures.
Programs: repeated programs in the place that include school groups, tours and lifelong learning activities.
Routine maintenance: tasks and activities that are carried out at regular, defined intervals or in an intermittent but planned manner.
12.1. Introduction
12.1. Introduction
12.1. Introduction
The Permitted Action Schedule provides detailed guidelines on how permitted actions are to be undertaken. ‘Permitted actions’ are those actions which, if carried out according to the Permitted Action Schedule, will have no adverse impact on the heritage values, and therefore do not require formal action assessment and approval. Formal assessment and approval has been deemed granted for the Permitted Action Schedule under this plan. In other words, most routine or well-defined and planned actions that have been developed and refined for the place have been assessed for their ability to comply with the policies of this plan and their impact on the heritage value and have been documented as permitted in these schedules.
The Permitted Action Schedule provides a mechanism for implementing the policies and zone objectives set out in this plan. It provides both guidance for new staff and contractors and a way of reinforcing appropriate heritage management practice during daily or regular activities for existing staff and contractors. Any proposed action that is not outlined in the Permitted Action Schedule must be referred through an Action Proposal Form for approval.
Any staff member is welcome to make a submission to the Actions Committee with a proposal to undertake any action that falls outside the limits of these permitted actions. Any action not described below must be considered in the context of managing the risk to the heritage fabric and the heritage values. This schedule can be updated with the approval of the Actions Committee.
12.2. Definitions
12.2. Definitions
12.2. Definitions
Contractor: a person or business that provides goods or services to Old Parliament House or otherwise operates in Old Parliament House but who are not staff, tenants or volunteers.
Exhibition: displays of exhibition material that includes but is not limited to showcases, objects, labels, plinths, multimedia equipment; usually long-term (that is, greater than one month display time).
Handling: physical movement of heritage items.
Heritage fabric: any pre-1988 building or collection material.
Heritage values: physical and intangible values as described in the National and Commonwealth Heritage listing for the place (see Section A).
Housekeeping: maintenance through cleaning and preventive conservation.
Interpreted spaces: rooms that have been conserved and re-created to a particular era to interpret
the history and values of Old Parliament House; these will include heritage furniture and may also include showcases, labels and multimedia equipment.
Movable heritage items: all pre-1988 collection pieces associated with the place.
Events (short-term): regular or one-off events or repeated programs in the place that include, but are not limited to, catered events, theatrical performances, concerts and lectures.
Programs: repeated programs in the place that include school groups, tours and lifelong learning activities.
Routine maintenance: tasks and activities that are carried out at regular, defined intervals or in an intermittent but planned manner.
12.3. Use plan
12.3. Use plan
12.3. Use plan
Note: Some of the permitted actions relate only to specifically designated spaces; refer to the Use Plan at Chapter 5.
12.4. Permitted Action Schedule
12.4. Permitted Action Schedule
12.3. Use plan
Note: Some of the permitted actions relate only to specifically designated spaces; refer to the Use Plan at Chapter 5.
12.4. Permitted Action Schedule
12.4.1. Collection
Activity with or on the collection must be in accordance with the Collection Management Procedures.
Opportunities: To conserve the heritage values of the movable heritage collection.
Risks: That the movable heritage collection will be damaged or used in a manner inconsistent with its heritage values.
PERMITTED ACTIONS
NOT PERMITTED ACTIONS
Temporarily repositioning heritage furniture within a space for cleaning, exhibition set-up or other short- term activity using the safe-handling techniques.
Removal of movable heritage items from a space unless appropriate monitoring and recording by heritage staff.
Moving the heritage furniture within the areas designated for catering and commercial activities using the safe-handling techniques.
Adhesion of any sort of material directly to the surface or in an intrusive manner, including protective materials.
Movement and temporary replacement of the following heritage items by two trained people, for the purpose of an approved event:Chairman of Committee’s chairClerk’s chairsPrime Minister’s chairLeader of the Opposition’s chair.These chairs do not need to be moved for regular learning programs.
Repairs to movable heritage items without prior consultation with heritage staff.
Installing stable, non-abrasive, clean, hard or soft clear protective cover that is removable and does not require fixing to the heritage item to keep in place (that is, Mylar, acrylic sheeting with plastic bumpers).
Any change to use that has not been approved by Heritage staff.
Use of the piano in the Members’ Bar by a pianist on approval from Heritage staff.
Safe-handling techniques:
Always lift by a load-bearing piece (for example, the apron of a table or the seat of a chair), never by the legs, arms or back.
Always lift, never drag.
Avoid haste.
Regard every heritage item as irreplaceable.
All moves must be supervised by a staff member trained in appropriate handling techniques.
Plan the move and know the route to be taken, especially any doorways or lifts that need to be used.
Tie open doors with cotton tape to allow easier movement through them.
More sections below
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Acknowledgements Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
This is Version 3.0 of the Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan. It is largely based on the previous two versions. Please see Version 1.0 (2008–2013) for a full list of the original contributors.
The Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026 (Version 3.0) is the result of a review, including public consultation, and an update by staff of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
For further information or enquiries regarding this plan, please contact:
Deputy Director,
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Old Parliament House is an agency of the Australian Government.
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan
Version 1.0: Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013 (published 2008) Version 2.0: Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2015–2020 (published 2015) Version 3.0: Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026 (published 2021)
Documentation Control
The following table documents the development and issue of Version 3.0 of the Heritage Management Plan.
Issue
Notes/Description
Issue Date
Prepared By
1
Draft: Design Proof
25 August 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
2
Draft: Incorporating initial edits in preparation for MoAD and public consultation, and initial DAWE review.
10 September 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
3
Draft: Incorporated feedback from review and consultation period; fixed text errors, added text to integrate OPH management strategies, updated Permitted Action Schedule.
13 October 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
4
Final Draft: Including OPH board edits, minor text corrections, for National Heritage Council and second DAWE review.
23 October 2020
Old Parliament House Staff
5
Minor Text and Use corrections in plans; Addition of alternate text for images and plans.
Contractors, caterers, tenants, event organisers and volunteers: must follow the permitted actions, handling rules and contractor induction/site rules; non‑routine works require an Action Proposal (Chapter 12).
National Capital Authority (NCA) and Parliament (where relevant): external works in the Parliamentary Zone need NCA or parliamentary approvals under the National Capital Plan and Parliament Act (Chapter 4).
**How it works (behaviour, checks and balances)
Zoning (Chapter 8): the building is split into six zones (Landmark; Chambers; Politics & Party; House & Senate Wings; Ancillary Functions; Movable Heritage). Each zone has a statement of intent and objectives which guide permitted uses and the sensitivity to change.
Permitted Action Schedule (Chapter 12): many routine activities (cleaning, moving specified furniture under supervision, certain exhibitions, routine maintenance, guided tours, some events) are pre‑authorised if carried out to the specified methods. If an action is not listed or cannot meet the conditions, it must go to the Actions Committee.
Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11): proponents identify the zone, check the Permitted Action Schedule, and either proceed under permitted rules or complete the digital Action Proposal Form. Large projects use Action Amendments and Project Records to document changes and implementation. All decisions and outcomes are recorded.
Implementation, monitoring and review (Chapters 10, 14): the plan requires annual reporting, five‑year condition reviews and if necessary ad hoc reviews when heritage values change. An Implementation Plan lists key priorities, responsibilities and timeframes.
**Why it matters (official purpose and practical trade‑offs)
Officially: the plan exists to satisfy statutory obligations for National and Commonwealth heritage places under the EPBC Act (Sections cited in Chapters 1 and 4) and to ensure the heritage values of Old Parliament House are identified, conserved and interpreted.
Practical trade‑offs and incentives to note:
The plan creates clear pathways for routine museum, learning, hospitality and public‑access activities while imposing constraints where heritage values are sensitive. That structure permits commercial and public programming (revenue‑generating events, exhibitions) but requires those activities to follow conservation methods (see Permitted Action Schedule, Chapters 9 and 12).
Compliance and administrative burden fall on MoAD staff and contractors: they must use the Action Proposal Process, maintain records and implement specialised handling, cleaning and conservation protocols (see Chapters 11–12 and Appendix J glossary). This requires staff training and time, and possibly additional budget for conservation work identified in the Implementation Plan (Chapter 14).
Decision‑making discretion is concentrated in the internal Actions Committee and Delegate (Chapter 11). The plan anticipates refining thresholds so some low‑impact actions can be handled outside the committee to reduce delay (Implementation priorities, Chapter 14). External approvals (NCA, Parliament) add another layer where works affect the Parliamentary Zone (Chapter 4).
Implementation risk depends on funding, staff expertise and maintenance of the digital Action Proposal system (Chapter 15). The plan invests in a digital tool to reduce friction, but it also requires ongoing maintenance and training (Implementation Plan tasks, Chapter 14).
Who pays; who decides; what changes in behaviour
Who pays: conservation, monitoring and compliance costs are met from the Old Parliament House / MoAD budget and, where relevant, specific project funding. Contractors bear the cost of meeting heritage‑awareness training and site requirements. External approvals (NCA / Parliament) may add time and cost to projects (see Chapters 4 and 12).
Who decides: operational approvals are made by Heritage staff, the Actions Committee and an authorised Delegate; strategic direction is set by the Old Parliament House Board and Executive; external site and external works approvals are decided by NCA and, in prescribed cases, Parliament (Chapters 4, 11, 14).
Behaviour changes required: staff and contractors must use the zones, follow the Permitted Action Schedule for routine tasks, lodge Action Proposal Forms for non‑routine work, record outcomes in the system, and comply with specified handling, cleaning and display protocols (Chapters 8, 11, 12, 15).
Implementation and compliance risks / opportunity costs (concise)
Risks: inadequate funding or staff expertise could cause non‑compliance with the plan’s "nil decline" conservation aim; failure to maintain the digital tool or training could create procedural bottlenecks; layered approvals (internal committee + NCA/Parliament) can delay time‑sensitive projects (Chapters 10, 14, 15, 4).
Opportunity costs: stronger protection of fabric and stricter controls on use may limit some commercial or high‑impact events; conversely, the plan purposefully permits many activities (with safeguards) to balance access and revenue with conservation (Chapters 9, 12).
(References in this summary are to the plan's chapters: statutory framework and obligations — Chapter 4; zoning and objectives — Chapter 8; Action Proposal Process — Chapter 11; Permitted Action Schedule — Chapter 12; Implementation Plan and priorities — Chapter 14; Heritage Management Interactive — Chapter 15.)
Old Parliament House is of outstanding significance to the nation. As the first purpose built parliament house, it is a physical icon of Australian democracy. It is representative of Australia’s parliamentary political process, and has been a focus for events that reflect Australian democratic values, and political rights and obligations.
As home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House continues to surprise and delight visitors. In this nationally significant building, our vision is to create a vibrant and contemporary hub that empowers civic and individual engagement in the democratic process. This vision will be achieved in harmony with the heritage values of the place that recognise, preserve and communicate the spirit of Australian democracy.
The proper conservation and sustainable use of built and cultural heritage is an enduring ambition shared by communities around Australia. The Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan provides a rigorous management framework for the heritage values of the place. This is the third version of the plan. This update is a result of a review, including a public consultation process, which was undertaken in 2020. The plan meets the requirements for management plans for National and Commonwealth Heritage places, as pursuant to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Regulations 2000.
Old Parliament House staff demonstrate leadership, expertise and innovation in heritage conservation and management. Our award-winning conservation projects have delivered outcomes that recognise the important relationships between heritage conservation, sustainability and access. The management plan is a practical document used by staff to identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit the heritage values of Old Parliament House for current and future generations.
Daryl KarpDirectorMuseum of Australian Democracy
The Hon Nick Minchin AOChairBoard of Old Parliament House
Executive Summary Executive Summary
Executive Summary
On 20 June 2006 the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Howard MP, announced the addition of Old Parliament House and Curtilage to Australia’s National Heritage List. The assessment of the heritage values demonstrated that Old Parliament House and Curtilage had met eight of the nine National Heritage List criteria. Old Parliament House and Curtilage had previously been included in the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 and is a significant feature in the Commonwealth Heritage listed Parliament House Vista.
Old Parliament House was opened in 1927. It was designed by John Smith Murdoch, the first Commonwealth Government architect, as the first purpose-built home of Australia’s federal Parliament. It is one of the foundation government buildings from the early development of the national capital under the Griffin Plan. Old Parliament House is a substantial building containing some 500 rooms; it houses formal parliamentary Chambers with associated executive offices, parliamentarians’ rooms and functional support spaces. Its complex overlay of National and Commonwealth heritage values are manifested in the fabric, collections, history and intangible associations.
Old Parliament House is a Commonwealth-owned property. From July 1996 to November 2007 it was administered by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, and from November 2007 to June 2008 it was administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. In July 2008 Old Parliament House became an Executive Agency. In July 2016 it was reclassified, under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, as a corporate Commonwealth entity, and became a body corporate. Old Parliament House itself is a Statutory Agency; the curtilage area is administered by the National Capital Authority.
Old Parliament House and Curtilage is a heritage site and the home of the Museum of Australian Democracy. The heritage values of the site and the museum’s strategic vision are expressed through an array of interpretation, exhibition, online, learning, research and commercial activities and events available to the public 364 days a year.
This Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2021–2026 (the Heritage Management Plan) satisfies Old Parliament House’s and the National Capital Authority’s obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). This third version has been updated by Old Parliament House staff. The first version of the plan, published in 2008, was written by Old Parliament House staff with the assistance of heritage consultants and an expert advisory panel.
The assessment of heritage values and the Statement of Heritage Significance contained in this plan draw on research undertaken for previous management plans and heritage analyses. The heritage values tables are drawn from the National and Commonwealth Heritage Listings.
The plan provides a management and administrative framework, ensuring that all the heritage values are identified, well managed, interpreted and made available for community appreciation and enjoyment. It acts as a manual for Old Parliament House managers and staff to use daily, thereby underpinning and informing management decisions. Through zones, which support the policies, the plan provides a framework for assessment and approval of proposed uses or actions against the heritage values. This ensures effective use and appropriate actions that serve to protect and interpret the heritage values. This framework also provides opportunities for ongoing community involvement.
Under the plan there will be continuous monitoring, reporting and, where appropriate or necessary, improvement of the condition of the heritage listed values of Old Parliament House and Curtilage. During the life of this plan there will be an increase in conservation, interpretation, exhibitions, learning and outreach programs associated with both the place and the strategic vision for the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
This plan will remain in place for five years and will be reviewed and updated as required.
Description of the plan Description of the plan
Description of the plan
The content and decision-making tool developed for this Heritage Management Plan is a response to a variety of influences, as outlined in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Plan influences and structure
How to use this plan How to use this plan
How to use this plan
The plan provides a framework to assist staff to make informed decisions about changes to use and actions and activities in and on the place. Decision-making and research for the place should be done using both this plan and management strategy documents, and the associated Heritage Management Interactive that provides links to detailed information about the values and history of specific rooms and collection pieces. Figure 2 briefly outlines some of the ways the plan can be used.
Figure 2: Ways in which to use this plan
PART A : CONTEXT
PART A: CONTEXT
This section of the plan sets out the context for the management of the heritage values of Old Parliament House.
Chapter 1: Introduction outlines the purpose and scope of this Heritage Management Plan and articulates the vision for heritage management at Old Parliament House. This chapter outlines the core principles and the outcomes that provide the framework for the plan.
Chapter 2: Description describes the place, including its location, its physical description and its history.
Chapter 3: Heritage Values describes why this place is significant. It describes the method through which the values have been assessed, and includes a summary statement of significance, relevant extracts from the National Heritage List and the Commonwealth Heritage List; also included are a series of maps that illustrate where the values are located across the place. The current condition of the values is also recorded.
1. Introduction 1. Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1. A building for the nation
Australian democracy values political and social rights and active citizenship for all. It separates the legislative, executive and judicial powers and provides a framework for an inclusive society. Much that is now the essence of democratic practice worldwide has strong roots in Australia – the secret ballot, votes for women, salaried parliamentarians and the principle of constitutional change by majority vote.
Old Parliament House provides the physical connection with the long tradition of parliamentary democracy in Australia. It is a place which people can reflect on and be proud of the Australian achievement.
The establishment of Old Parliament House was fundamental to the development of Canberra; the opening of Parliament heralded the symbolic birth of the nation’s democratic capital. Parliament is a place where political conflict is inevitable. Old Parliament House stands for the right to argue and express dissent, and for the seven peaceful changes of government that took place during the years in which Parliament sat in the building. These values exemplify the theme of building the Australian nation – thereby creating an Australian democracy.
Old Parliament House is a nationally significant heritage place and is one of a select group of places on the National Heritage List.
On 20 June 2006 the Hon John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, stated:
Old Parliament House will always be an important part of our political history with its rich collection of original furniture, art and memorabilia helping to illustrate the story of Australia’s political customs and functions … It is appropriate that this place of outstanding significance to our nation receives Australia’s most prestigious heritage recognition.
Old Parliament House is also recognised on the Commonwealth Heritage List (22 June 2004), the Register of the National Estate (1987, now closed), the National Trust of Australia’s (ACT) Register and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture.
Since 2009 Old Parliament House has been the site for the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House helps people to understand Australia’s social and political history by interpreting the past and present and by exploring the future. This is achieved by:
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.