In a renovation that could have won reality TV show House Rules, Old Parliament House has just done the big reveal, showing off its $2 million refurbishment of the House of Representatives chamber.
There was no Jamie Durie grinning for the cameras last night, but a smiling Federal Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke MP, who officially reopened the chamber.
The overhaul was a mammoth task given the daunting pressure befitting of a Grand Designs challenge. Expert trades and conservators were called in to delicately refurbish the almost century-old décor. (The last time Old Parliament House was shrouded in scaffolding was when it was constructed in 1923 when tradies wore bowler hats instead of hardhats).
Very special handling was required, as this building is so much more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place that saw the dismissal of one Prime Minister and where another PM told the nation World War II was coming to an end.
The renovation saw the Chamber’s distinctive table and benches (designed by architect John Smith Murdoch as part of the original build and fabrication) undergo a comprehensive, once-in-a-lifetime conservation program.
During the work, tradies discovered that the Coat of Arms above the Speaker’s Chair, which was thought to be made of metal, was in fact intricately carved timber. Descendants of the original creators, Sydney’s Otto Brothers Woodcarvers, were invited to see the historic piece restored to its former glory.
The refurb also saw the installation of a hearing loop to improve accessibility during verbal presentations, such as guided tours and lectures.
As every home-owner knows, renovations never end. This latest reno follows the major maintenance works at the Senate in 2020. The old Press Gallery is also set to receive the same overhaul treatment – that’s almost as many renovations as the changes of government during the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd era. Incidentally, from 1927 to 1988, Old Parliament House witnessed seven changes of government and 16 prime ministers.
Museum of Australian Democracy director, Stephanie Bull, said the comprehensive refurbishment and conservation project would safeguard the House’s heritage values for future generations as Old Parliament House celebrates its 100th birthday in 2027.
