OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

C. Statements of Values
Part D – Appendices
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
273
Official Values:
Criteria
F Technical
achievement
G Social value
H Significant people
Values
Old Parliament House also represents a significant creative achievement. Intended as
a provisional structure but occupying such a prominent location, it was deliberately
designed as a plain yet dignified structure so that it possessed appropriate aesthetic
and formal qualities for its location, but not to such an extent that it would enhance
the possibility of the building becoming a permanent fixture in the landscape.
Attributes
Its relatively plain yet dignified design.
Old Parliament House has been a strong symbol of Commonwealth Government
in Australia, and of Canberra itself, for many generations of Australians. While its
original function has shifted to the current Parliament House, the earlier building
remains an important and familiar feature because of the memories of its former
role, its new roles in the public realm, and its major contribution to the most familiar
views in Canberra, from and to the building along the Land Axis. Elements of the
building that particularly reflect this value are the front facade, the entrance portico,
King’s Hall and the Chambers. The facade of the building is significant as a widely
recognised symbol of Commonwealth Parliament and Government from 1927 to
1988. The facade is also important as the backdrop for media interviews, protests
and other events associated with the Parliament and Government. These events
include the establishment of an Aboriginal Embassy in nearby Parkes Place in January
1972 and the address by Prime Minister Whitlam on the front steps of the building
after his sacking by the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, in November 1975.
Attributes
The whole building and its location on the Land Axis and, in particular,
the front facade, the entrance portico, King’s Hall and the Chambers.
Old Parliament House has been a strong symbol of Commonwealth Government in
Australia, and of Canberra itself, for many generations of Australians. While its original
function has shifted to the current Parliament House, the earlier building remains
an important and familiar feature because of the memories of its former role, its new
roles in the public realm, and its major contribution to the most familiar views in
Canberra, from and to the building along the Land Axis. Elements of the building that
particularly reflect this value are the front facade, the entrance portico, King’s Hall and
the Chambers. The facade of the building is significant as a widely recognised symbol
of Commonwealth Parliament and Government from 1927 to 1988. The facade is also
important as the backdrop for media interviews, protests and other events associated
with the Parliament and Government. These events include the establishment of an
Aboriginal Embassy in nearby Parkes Place in January 1972 and the address by Prime
Minister Whitlam on the front steps of the building after his sacking by the Governor-
General, Sir John Kerr, in November 1975.
Attributes
The whole building and its location on the Land Axis and, in particular,
the front façade, the entrance portico, King’s Hall and the Chambers.