OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

I. Policy Rationales/Commentaries
Part D – Appendices
346 Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
Conclusion
• 1927 fabric demonstrating the Inter–War Stripped Classical
architectural style and associated features including:
– symmetrical north and south façades
– division of the north elevation into vertical bays
– vestigial classical entablature which is found on both the original north and south wings
– simple wall surfaces of both original north and south wings; and
– spandrels between storeys on the north elevation which are subdued to emphasise verticality.
• Greek pattern detailing such as the exterior iron balustrades, interior
plaster wall vents and leadlight bookcase panels.
• 1927–1988 rooms with special architectural interest:
– King’s Hall
– Library
– Senate Chamber
– House of Representatives Chamber
– Dining Rooms
– Senate Opposition Party Room (Senate Club)
– Speaker’s Office
– Clerk of the Senate’s Office
– Leader of the Government in the Senate’s Office
– Prime Minister’s Office
– Cabinet Room; and
– President of the Senate’s Suite.
Policy 1 deals with the framework for the physical conservation of the heritage values of
Old Parliament House. The aims of conservation must, however, be achieved through the integrated
application of all the policies, in particular: Policy 2; which establishes the Action Proposal assessment
process; Policy 3, which guides documentation, monitoring and research; and Policy 4, which
guides interpretation of the values and communication with stakeholders and community.
Background paper for Policy 2 Management Approach
Old Parliament House management must: maintain a cross organisational committee to ensure
the protection of heritage values through robust participatory management, decision making
procedures, and the assessment of action proposals; and manage tenders and contracts through
appropriate application of the EPBC Act and other relevant legislation and codes.
Rationale for the policy
The complexity of Old Parliament House as a heritage place means that a flexible, responsive and expert
structure for decision-making must be established. The policies, zones statements of intent, zone objectives
and identified sensitivity to change of the mapped heritage values establish a robust framework within which
decisions will be made. This framework is supported by the requirements in Policy 1 for appropriately expert
and competent people to be charged with the responsibility for making decisions affecting the heritage values.
Old Parliament House management has used the concept of an Actions Committee charged
with collaboratively assessing the suitability of proposals for some time. This policy formalises
this structure and links it to EPBC Act decision-making and audit requirements.