Government Party Room
Party members worked quietly and debated loudly.
Location
Main floor
Until the 1960s, many parliamentarians weren't allocated an office, so the Party Room, Parliamentary Library and their chamber desks had to make do.
Timber units in the Government Party Room held stationery and a clever system for displaying today’s date.
In earlier times, parliamentarians who had not been allocated a desk in an office would use one in the Party Room.
The Party Room became home base. They'd settle into the club chairs to read, sit at a small desk to respond to mail or claim one of the sound-proof telephone booths to make a call.
Second image: Prime Minster Robert Menzies conducts a press conference in the Government Party Room in 1965
National Archives of Australia A1200, L51588
THANK YOU
The recreation of the Government Party Room was made possible by the generous support of our donors.
Plan your visit
There is an audio soundscape and music that plays in the space after entering.
You may also be interested in...
Learn
Driven by an inquiry approach and critical reflection, we empower young people to become active citizens.
Why wear a badge at election time?
Elections aren’t just about voting.
Student voice in the community
Students talk about what inspires them and how they can work towards positive change in the world.
Threepenny internment camp tokens
A different kind of currency.
1946: Social Services referendum
The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.
Oops!
We can't find the page you're looking for
