THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Here are two views of the House of Representatives Chamber looking down from the Press Gallery, which is unfortunately closed to the public at the present time. To the right of the photos is the top of the Speaker's chair. The Prime Minister sat at the table, to the right of the Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition sat to the left and the Clerks sat in the left and right chairs in front of the Speaker.

This is a view of the top of the Speaker's chair, showing the (British) Royal Arms. A message hidden under the arm rests says that the British Coat of Arms are carved in oak from the timbers of Westminster Hall (1399). That makes the wood over 600 years old. The hinged flaps, including the one in the photo to the right, are of oak from Nelson's flagship H.M.S. Victory. Recessed in the wall above the Press Gallery is the Australian coat of arms.

This photo shows the inside of the Speaker's seat just under the hinged flap.The rosette is actually a disguised buzzer.

The photo to the left is a view from the Government benches. The photo on the right shows the front of the table. Following UK tradition, the width of the table is supposedly slightly longer than the length of two swords - so that those sitting opposite could not attack each other! Just under the top, on the left hand side is a switch which activates the green light on a pole on the roof of Parliament House. This was switched on when the Australian flag was taken down at sunset.The light tells the rest of Canberra that the House is in session. A former Chief Attendant told volunteer guides that the light switch used to be near the Clerk's knee but sometimes his knee would bump the switch, sending confused signals to those looking at the green light.

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This is part of the Unofficial Website for Old Parliament House, Canberra, which is maintained by Denis Strangman.

© Photos - Gregory Strangman