OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

1. Introduction
Part A – Context
2 Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
Core principles
The key principle that forms the foundation of this
Heritage Management Plan is the imperative to
integrate conservation and interpretation of the heritage
values with keeping the place relevant and vital. Directly
or indirectly, the policies in this plan are aimed at
achieving this core principle. The provisions of this plan
are also based upon 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
• 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
• Education - recognition that the role of education 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
• Interpretation - recognition of the necessity to interpret
heritage values of the place for their enhancement
and longevity
• Research - acceptance of the key role of research in
identifying and understanding the heritage values
and attributes of the place
• Adaptive management - acceptance that the Heritage
Management Plan policies should be adjusted and
refined based on the results of research, monitoring
and performance evaluation outcomes; and
• Transparency and accountability - recognition that the
decision-making processes, monitoring, lessees, and
other authorities operating in Old Parliament House,
should be open to public scrutiny and accountability.
House of Representatives Courtyard Garden, 2002.
Source: Auspic, Old Parliament House Collection