OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

6. Zones
Part B – Management
84 Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
House of Representatives and Senate Wing Zone
Rationale
The House of Representatives Wing and Senate Wing were occupied principally by ministerial and members’ offices
from their construction in the 1960s until 1988. 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 the
original construction as a purpose-built parliament 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
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 the spaces comprising this and other zones
are not compromised by inappropriate change or use. (Refer to Policy 5)
3. To ensure that this zone is managed in accordance with the policies contained within the Heritage Management
Plan.
4. 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 & 5)