SYMOBLISM OF THE NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The New Parliament House of Australia was to be  -
-  a peoples parliament.......a building so democratic ordinary citizens could roam, literally all over it. Symbolising the supremacy of the people over the politicians they elect.

Part of the architect’s vision was that art of many kinds should be an integral part of Parliament House, though not just for decoration:


Representation through art

… works of art and craft were to be understood as ‘voices’ within the building capable of expressing the diverse character and identity of Australia … the presence of the works was a critical aspect of creating a sense of resonance in the building with past cultural traditions

 A Time for Sorrow

Parliament House has been the scene of a number of demonstrations of compassion and sorrow for tragedies that have affected the nation and its people. That such events are held here illustrates the importance of this location in the nation’s psyche.

eg. Port Aurthur Massacre, September 11, Bali bombings....


 ...and for Celebration
By contrast, many celebratory events are held in Parliament House, a location that helps give a sense of occasion to such events.


e.g   a celebration was held for the recovery of entombed miners Brant Webb and Tod Russell,
     -    Peoplescape - an artistic tribute to Australians who had left an important, though largely  unrecognised, imprint upon their country.

 A place of inspiration
Parliament House as ‘never in the way’, for it was a ‘place where people are relevant’.

Media
 Reporters, with or without interviewees, are often seen in front of the building or in a courtyard, and coverage is occasionally given of parliamentary committee business. Protests outside its walls are usually newsworthy, often with the building as the backdrop. Without wanting to exaggerate what it all means, it can be claimed that the new building has visually opened up of some of the Parliament’s activities for ordinary Australians.


 Raising Issues

The people’s elected representatives are expected to use Parliament House to raise issues of importance to some or all Australians. Less well-appreciated is the fact that the building is a symbolically significant location for members of the general public to publicise their views on matters of importance. As a parliamentary committee has put it:

By protesting in the national capital in front of the national Parliament, people symbolically are delivering the message directly to their elected representatives.