Old Parliament House

The Old Parliament House building is now open to the public, with both chambers open for public inspection, and the National Portrait Gallery also in the building. The Prime Minister's and Leader of the Senate's offices are also open for inspection.

House of Representatives

The lower house has a green theme in the seating and carpet, as shown here. The senate uses red for its theme.

Speakers Chair in House of Representatives, Old Parliament House. Uses 17th Century wood, British donated to Australia

The Speaker's chair, a gift from the UK Branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association. It includes pieces of timber from Nelson's flagship Victory and also from Westminster Hall.

Looking over the Mace to the Speaker's Chair

The Speaker's Mace. It's history and symbolism is described in this link.

King's Hall

Between the two chambers is King's Hall, named after King George V, British monarch at the time. Besides its most common use as an entry to the building, it is also used for more formal functions. It contains paintings of all the Prime Ministers.

Gough Whitlam's portrait in King's Hall, Old Parliament House

Gough Whitlam, Prime Minister 1972 - 1975. This is the style of most of the paintings - basically traditional images.

Bob Hawke's portrait in King's Hall, Old Parliament House

But this one of Bob Hawke is rather more interesting artistically.

Courtyard

There is also a courtyard in the centre of the building.

Courtyard in middle of Old Parliament House

The courtyard is now an eating area open to the public.

Trip Main Page

Senate Chamber