Chapter 2—Agency overview

Role and functions

The Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, speaks from behind a podium
Image: The Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, delivers a speech in Kings Hall, Old Parliament House, commemorating the centenary of the first Fisher Government, 13 November 2008. Photo Chalk Studio

The building now known as ‘Old Parliament House’ was built as the first dedicated facility for the Parliament of Australia. Opened in 1927, the building served as the provisional home of the federal parliament for 61 years, until the parliament moved to the permanent Parliament House in 1988.

In 1992 the building was reopened as a public attraction. Since then, Old Parliament House has served various functions, including as the temporary home of the National Portrait Gallery, as well as a museum of Australian political, social and parliamentary history. A site of major heritage significance, it is included in both the Commonwealth Heritage List and the National Heritage List.

In 2008–09, Old Parliament House acquired a new role and identity as the home of the Museum of Australian Democracy. The launch of the museum in May 2009 greatly expanded the range of programs and exhibitions on offer, and established a new vision for Old Parliament House:

To celebrate, debate and experience the journey of Australian democracy.

Figure 1 sets out the values, mission and objectives for Old Parliament House in 2008–09, as set out in the 2008–11 Corporate Plan.

Figure 1 Values, mission and objectives
Values

Old Parliament House is committed to:

  • providing benefit to the community—it values its role in presenting learning and development opportunities to visitors
  • providing quality service—it seeks to meet the needs and expectations of its audiences and the community
  • recognising its heritage significance—the agency values the national significance of the site and its collections through best practice conservation
  • speaking with authority—activities are underpinned by scholarship and best practice museum interpretation
  • upholding the core values of the Australian Public Service—as a Commonwealth cultural institution, it seeks to follow and implement the Australian Public Service values in its dealings with staff, the public and its stakeholders.
Mission Providing a comprehensive visitor experience on site, online and through outreach, by:
  • deepening understanding of Australia’s past, present and future democracy through public and scholarly activities
  • providing relevant, effective and engaging exhibitions, tours, public programs and events, interpretation and education programs
  • managing, conserving, interpreting, and presenting the heritage building and its collections for visitors
  • ensuring the provision of a range of complementary visitor services, such as catering and retail facilities.
Objectives Increase visitation and access to high-quality, interesting and entertaining exhibitions, tours, interpretation, education programs and other activities, both on-site and externally.

Significantly expand its role and activities through the new Museum of Australian Democracy initiatives.

Ensure that the building is maintained, conserved and capable of sustainable use in accordance with legislative obligations and the highest heritage standards.

Implement effective governance arrangements, planning structures and staffing capability.

 

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