When parliament moved to a new building, the gardens, which the senators and representatives used, ceased to be maintained, but now are restored.
We went into the cafe in an inner garden in the old parliament building for lunch
and then walked to the new parliament building which is just up the hill
The building is large, impressive, modern and accessible to all. The only 'no' is taking cameras or electronic devices into the either of the Houses while parliament is sitting.
This is the entrance hall with beautiful green marble pillars like eucalyptus trees.
The water feature in the Members Hall, designed to provide white noise to cover listening in on conversations
and the tapestry in the great hall based on a painting of eucalyptus trees in a forest.
This is the chamber of the House of Representatives.
We went into the Senate where a handful of senators were debating the issue of who is to get the tender to broadcast the Australian network abroad. As 2pm approached, the chamber began to fill up for 'Question Time' and we saw the Senators in action; it was not impressive. As with other similar bodies like the House of Commons, the main aim seemed to be to waste as much time as possible, not answer any question, jeer and insult other senators and to push the "Speaker" of the House (called the President in the senate) as far as possible. In short, they made a class of unruly 5 year olds look grown up. Matters raised in questions included carbon tax, mining super profit tax and the network broadcasting licence. Senator Wong, who was responsible for answering most of the questions is clearly on her way to the top.
We were able to take a lift up to the top of the building and see the views from up there.
Ann then kindly picked us up from the Albert Hall and took us to a communications tower where we could get 360 degree views of the countryside. Below you can the main parts of Canberra around its lake.
Pat and John on tour