OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

H. Risk Analysis
Part D – Appendices
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
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5.6 Criterion (g) The place has outstanding heritage value to the nation because of the place’s strong or special association
with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
5.6.1 Values
• Symbol as the recognisable centre of the Australian government from 1927 to 1988.
• Focus for political protest since the 1960s, including the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
• Important associations for parliamentarians, staff and media.
• Continues as a location for important events such as the Constitutional Convention 1998.
• Award winning heritage place with over 250,000 visitors annually and active volunteer group.
5.6.2 Attributes of these Values
• Building, façade and its setting.
• Relationship with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
• Continued use for socially significant purposes.
5.6.3 Identification of Risks
Risks Comment Likelihood Consequence Risk Management
Strategy
The building and/or
its setting may be
put to a use that
diminishes their
symbolic value.
The place may
be put to a use
that is unpopular
with the public
so that there is a
loss of connection
between ‘the people’
and the place.
Appropriate
management will
require treading
the fine line
between keeping
OPH a ‘living’
building through
ongoing popularly
supported use,
and ensuring
that uses are not
incompatible
with the place’s
symbolic value.
This would not
only break the
long-standing
connection of
the place with
the Australian
public, it would
also reduce visitor
numbers, with
adverse financial
consequences.
Possible
Possible
Major to
catastrophic
Major to
catastrophic
Ensure a valuesfocused
impact
assessment process
is in place for all
proposed uses.
Ensure all proposals
for use are assessed
against their impact
on heritage values.
Establish and
maintain appropriate
stakeholder
involvement.
Monitor and evaluate
the success of
interpretation and
visitor programs.
Opportunities
Promote
democratic values
and the social
achievements of
the Australian
parliamentary
system through
innovative and
exciting interpretive
and educational
programs.
Promote the
place’s symbolic
values as the
home of Australian
democracy.
Reinforce in
the minds of
Australians that
OPH represents
their history.
Encourage the
participation of
the community in
the future of OPH
through volunteer
programs and
similar community
involvement,
ensuring they share
OPH values.