One of Canberra’s oldest buildings has become a hub of historical political intrigue
Regarded by many, including this writer, as Canberra’s most elegant building, Old Parliament House has held many secrets since it opened as the home of Australia’s Federal Parliament in 1927.
John Smith Murdoch, the first Commonwealth Government architect, was asked to design a ‘provisional’ building that would serve as a parliament for 50 years. It lasted 61, closing in 1988 when the permanent Australian Parliament House opened. Fortunately, the building remains open and gives up some secrets as the Museum of Australian Democracy. Others will remain in the political vault.
It lasted 61, closing in 1988 when the permanent Australian Parliament House opened. Fortunately, the building remains open and gives up some secrets as the Museum of Australian Democracy. Others will remain in the political vault.
At the helm with the key to unlock those secrets is the equally elegant director Daryl Karp, who believes fervently that with democracy on shaky ground around the world the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) is a beacon of hope.
“Democracy is never fixed in time – it evolves and changes, sometimes too slowly, but we are all part of that process, and that requires vigilance, and attention, and wise citizenship,” Ms Karp says.
As a living museum of social and political history MoAD, which launched in 2009, interprets the past and present and explores the future of democracy.
“Australia has a world class democracy with the first constitution to be written and voted on by the people, one of only a handful with seamless and peaceful transitions between governments; first to offer women universal suffrage – to stand and vote; independent electoral commission to monitor and set boundaries,” Ms Karp says.
“MoAD provides a space to reflect and celebrate this and it helps that it’s imbued with history as the first, purpose-built parliament for our newly formed federated government,” she says.
Visitors can expect to be surprised and delighted, regardless of age.
“PlayUP and DressUP give young people a voice and provide inspirational role models. History buffs can step back in time in historically recreated spaces, design lovers can enjoy the beauty of the interwar neoclassical architecture and immerse themselves in John Smith Murdoch’s designs, furnishings, and light fittings. I always say look up – the light fittings are truly glorious!”
Ms Karp, whose office was previously used by Paul Keating when he was treasurer, was hard-pressed to choose a favourite aspect of the building but, in a salute to spring, plumped for the magnolia tree in the secret garden.
The magnificent speaker’s chair is a popular selfie backdrop for visitors but as a heritage item it’s off limits for their bottoms. However, school groups are encouraged to sit in the benches of the senate and representative chambers during the guided tours.
One of Ms Karp’s favourite photos of her was taken in front of the prime minister’s desk. “You can see the delight on my face at being there!
“I love that Australia has one of the best democracies in the world and that I get to share some of those stories with our visitors. And I love the engagement with our visitors who are wise, considered and deeply passionate about our nation and our democracy.”
Although MoAD is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic it has a number of virtual offerings.
