OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

6. Zones
Part B – Management
80 Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
Chambers Zone
Rationale
The House of Representatives Chamber, Senate Chamber, King’s Hall, its stairs and the Galleries comprise a suite of
contiguous spaces linked by Murdoch’s design, symbolic association and historical function. They serve 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 ceremony of government
and 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
1. To facilitate public access for the purposes of telling the story of Australian democracy and the physical evolution of
the place, without adversely impacting on the heritage values. (Refer to Policies 4 & 6)
2. 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)
3. To ensure that significant associations between the movable heritage elements and spaces are identified, retained
and interpreted after documentation. (Refer to Policies 1 & 4)
4. To ensure that the significant fabric and spaces are researched, monitored and conserved to the highest heritage
standards. (Refer to Policy 1)
5. To remove intrusive elements where appropriate. (Refer to Policy 1)
6. To prevent undesirable change to the fabric which reduces its heritage values. (Refer to Policy 1)
7. To ensure that this zone is managed in accordance with the policies contained within the Heritage Management
Plan.
8. 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 & 5)