Parliament House

Item details


Name of item:	Parliament House
Other name/s:	Parliament of New South Wales, Parliamentary Precincts, Rum Hospital
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Government and Administration
Category:	Parliament House
Location:	Lat: -33.8671899713 Long: 151.2130510040
Primary address:	Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Parish:	St James
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1823		DP	841390

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Macquarie Street	Sydney	Sydney	St James	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Parliament House	State Government

Statement of significance:


	Parliament House is of exceptional historical and social value. It has played a key role in the history of Australia from an early symbol of colonial government and civil improvement to its long tenure as the first NSW Parliament House and association with the Federation of the Australian colonies. The Parliament House and the Mint Museum are the two surviving wings of the triple wing General Hospital, which was commenced in 1811. Built just 20 years after first settlement, the hospital was part of Macquarie's sweeping building campaign which included schools, barracks, orphanages, churches and storehouses. As Governor Macquarie had been refused funding by London, he entered into an agreement with three businessmen who proposed to build the hospital for three years' exclusive rights to the importation of rum and the hospital became known as The Rum Hospital. The north wing was requisitioned and converted to accommodate the first NSW Parliament House in 1829 because it was the largest public building in New South Wales at that time. Housing the Colonial Representative Government it was the first Parliament in Australia. Aside from its significance as the legislative arm of government in New South Wales, Parliament House has played a key role in the history of Australia as two important conventions were held to look at the issues of Federation of the colonies and the drafting of the Australian Constitution. Parliament House is significant for its association with important social and political figures of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries The Parliamentary precincts comprise the original old colonial Georgian building known as the Rum Hospital, which was finished in 1816 as well as later additions and extensions to the Parliament buildings. A new chamber was constructed at the northern end of the building in 1842 to accommodate the partly elected and partly nominee Council which was established with the new constitution of 1842. The Legislative Council is a pre-fabricated cast-iron building, initially shipped to Melbourne from Glasgow, Scotland, before being sent to Sydney as one of the two parliamentary chambers and is still a seat of government in NSW today. The centre wing, which was erected on poor foundations, was demolished in 1879 and the replacement building, the Sydney Hospital, was finished in 1894. As part of Sydney's oldest remaining complex of public buildings, Parliament House has been at the centre of the history of New South Wales and continues to play a key role in the history of New South Wales as the seat of government today.
	Date significance updated: 19 Dec 12
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the OEH copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Architect Unknown
Construction years:	1811-1906
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Good
	Date condition updated:26 Oct 00
Modifications and dates:	1811 Foundation stone laid, 1816 Rum Hospital completed. 1843 Addition of old Legislative Council (now Legislative Assembly) Chamber 1856 Addition of the current Legislative Council Chamber 1860s-90s New refreshment rooms and facilities, (since demolished) 1870s-1890s Macquarie Street frontages of both Assembly and Council chambers moved closer to Macquarie street 1906 The Jubilee Library added ; Completion of the building as Parliament. 1919 Library stack excavated under Rum Hospital Building (now Archives stores and PABX) 1950s Florescent lighting installed in both chambers, both painted white 1974-84 Renovation and restoration of the original parliament buildings, demolition of back buildings and construction of new building including Fountain Court area and 12 storey accommodation and services building 2009 Construction of new gatehouse entry 2015 Construction of a new level of offices adjacent to Level 9 Roof Garden


Current use:	Parliament
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, Hospital

History

Historical notes:

The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters.

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (sourced from Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani ).

Sydney Hospital, aka the 'Rum Hospital':
The Parliament occupies part of what was once the nation's first permanent hospital. The colonnaded central part of Parliament House, facing Macquarie Street was completed in 1816 as part of Governor Macquarie's "Rum Hospital". Upon his arrival in the colony of New South Wales in 1810, Macquarie discovered that the town's hospital was an affair of tents and temporary buildings established along what is now George Street in The Rocks area when the First Fleet arrived in 1788.

Macquarie set aside land on the eastern edge of the Government domain for a new Hospital and created a new road - Macquarie Street - to provide access to it. Plans were drawn up but the British Government refused to provide funds to build the hospital. Consequently, Macquarie entered into a contract with a consortium of businessmen - Messrs Blaxcell, Riley and Wentworth - to erect the new hospital. The contract was signed on 6 November 1810. Under the terms of the contract they were to receive convict labour and supplies and a monopoly on rum-imports from which they expected to recoup the cost of the building and gain considerable profits.

The new hospital had a large central building, which was the main hospital, and two smaller wings which were quarters for the Surgeons. The central building was replaced in 1894 by the present Macquarie Street Hospital, but the smaller wings remain. The former Mint, next to the Hyde Park Barracks, was originally the quarters for the Assistant Surgeon as well as a storage facility, and the northern wing, built for the Principal Surgeon, remains today as the colonnaded facade of Parliament House.

Two rooms in the Principal Surgeon's quarters were not used by the surgeon and were used by the Judge of the Supreme Court until he transferred to the Georgian School House in Castlereagh Street in May 1824. Early in 1828 (with the exception of one room retained by the Principal Surgeon till 1843) the residence was vacated in order to provide for the reception of patients up till then in the Benevolent Asylum, but the premises were never actually used for that purpose, and the following year they were appropriated to the use of the Executive and the Legislative Council. Minor alterations were carried out about June of that year to the building and on Friday 21 August 1829 the second session of the Legislative Council in that year was held in the building which, with additions, has housed the Legislature ever since.

By 1824 the British Government had set up a Legislative Council consisting of five appointed members for New South Wales. The members met at Government House and in other locations, however, by 1829 it had increased to fourteen members and a permanent meeting room was established for it in the northern downstairs room of the Surgeon's Quarters. Council meetings were opened to the public from 1838.

In 1829 when the newly-enlarged Legislative Council required a permanent venue for its meetings, the northern wing of the so-called 'Rum Hospital' was adapted for its occupation as an interim measure, until more suitable premises could be erected. Despite the temporary nature of this early use, and regular calls for improved accommodation more fitting for the Parliament, the Rum Hospital complex remains the permanent home of the NSW legislature (CLSP, 2015 (Heritage Assessment, Jubilee Room), 3).

When the Legislative Council moved into its small Chamber in 1829, some other parts of the building were also taken over for offices, including part of the central ground floor rooms. Now known as the Sir Henry Parkes Room.

The year 1832 marked the time when the Press of the Colony was first permitted to peruse and to report upon the proceedings of Parliament. However, the proprietors of several newspapers pointed out in 1840 that the little accommodation available for their reporters was trespassed on by members of the public who attended the Council meetings. In consequence of this, a small gallery was constructed round the walls of the Council room, of which portion was set apart for the Press. This was the first major alteration to the building.

In 1842, when the new Constitution was passed, it became necessary to provide suitable accommodation for the partly elective and partly nominee Council. A new Chamber was constructed at the northern end of the old building in 1843. The Chamber served the Council up to the inauguration of Responsible Government in 1856, when the bi-cameral system came into operation, and accommodation had to be provided for the new nominee Legislative Council. This Chamber has continued to be used up to the present day as the home of the Legislative Assembly.

On 23 February 1856 the Governor and Executive Council approved of the purchase of an iron building, then in Melbourne, for 1,760 (delivered in Sydney Harbour) or 1,835 if delivered within one mile from a public wharf. This building was supposed to have been originally intended for Church purposes in Bendigo, but at the time of the gold rush portion of the material was hastily put up in Melbourne to cope with the great demand for accommodation. The material was brought from Melbourne by the Ship Callender which left there on 13 March 1856. On 17 April 1856, the Governor approved of the tender of Mr Thomas Spence to erect the building, together with adjacent rooms and offices, and to provide internal fittings for the sum of ?4,475. The building was erected at the southern end of the old Principal Surgeon's residence.

The rooms that were part of the original building were mainly used for administrative purposes from 1829 until 1850, housing the Clerk of the Executive and Legislative Councils and other public servants. For one period, from 1831 to 1836, the Clerk, Edward Deas Thomson, had the added responsibility of being curator of a small natural history museum. Thomson delegated this responsibility to his messenger, William Galvin, and later also had the assistance of an assigned prisoner, John Roach, who had worked in London as a taxidermist. In 1836 the collection of stuffed birds and animals, botanical specimens and other curiosities moved out to become the nucleus of the Australian Museum in College Street, Sydney.

The Parliamentary Library was established in 1843, and until 1860 each House maintained its own library (CLSP, 2015 (Heritage Assessment, Jubilee Room), 3). In 1850 the library moved to the old Council Chamber next to the now Legislative Assembly Chamber. The growing library expanded into other rooms including the central ground floor rooms.

At that time (1860) a central library was created of both Houses' library holdings, situated in the present twin Parkes Room (ibid, 2015, 3). Following the death in 1867 of the first Parliamentary Librarian, Walter McEvilly, a successor was not formally appointed until 1879. In the intervening 11 years, the Assistant Librarian in charge was the famous artist, Conrad Martens, who had settled in Sydney after arriving on HMS Beagle, on which he had been official artist for naturalist and theorist of evolution, Charles Darwin.

In 1906 a purpose-built main reading room designed by Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon was completed for the growing library. It was built on the site of the kitchen associated with the Rum Hospital and incorporates two walls from the 1811-1816 structure (ibid, 2015, 3) and over the footprint of the 1860 timber Refreshment Room (ibid, 2015, 28). The library's opening celebration coincided with the observance of the Jubilee of Responsible Goverment. Hence it was suggested the library be called the Jubilee Library (now it is called the Jubilee Room) and the old central rooms continued as the Librarian's rooms and "Front Reading Room" of the Library. In 1980 the new wing facing the Domain was completed, at which time the entire Library moved to levels 5 and 6 of that new building, vacating the Jubilee Room, which became a parliamentary museum, opened officially in April 1984 (ibid, 2015, 23). In 1993 minor works were carried out to enable use of the Jubilee Room as a hearings room, including fluorescent lighting, a U-shaped large table and a cupboard infill under the stair (ibid, 2015, 23).

The 1860 proposal for new Houses of Parliament and major alterations to the buildings

In 1860 competitive designs for new Houses of Parliament were invited and the winning design was said to be the work of R.H. Lynn, of Dublin. In the year 1888 Sir Henry Parkes laid the foundation stone of new Houses of Parliament on the site now occupied by the Mitchell Library. The project was never proceeded with and the stone was removed at the time the library was built.

No important alterations to the building took place until 1897, when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works recommended extensive alterations and additions at a cost of ?15,000 - in preference to the expenditure of 533,484 pounds on entirely new buildings.

Under this scheme, a fire-proof central Library on the site of the old Refreshment Room was built, together with accommodation for Hansard, Government Supporters and Ministers and at the same time the Opposition Room and Speaker's quarters were enlarged and the Press and Record Rooms constructed.

Further alterations were carried out between 1904 and 1906, when the old stables and coach-house were demolished and the Committee Rooms, Premier's cottage and residence at the rear of the premises were erected. This was originally intended as a residence for the Premier of that time, but the Carruthers' Government went out of office before it was completed and it was then converted into two residences to house the Librarian and the Steward.

Walter Liberty Vernon (1846-1914) was both architect and soldier. Born in England, he ran successful practices in Hastings and London and had estimable connections in artistic and architectural circles. In 1883 he had a recurrence of bronchitic asthma and was advised to leave the damp of England. He and his wife sailed to New South Wales. Before leaving, he gained a commission to build new premesis for Merrrs David Jones and Co., in Sydney's George Street. In 1890 he was appointed Government Architect - the first to hold that title - in the newly reorganised branch of the Public Works Department. He saw his role as building 'monuments to art'. His major buildings, such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales (1904-6) are large in scale, finely wrought in sandstone, and maintaining the classical tradition. Among others are the Mitchell Wing of the State Library, Fisher Library at the University of Sydney and Central Railway Station. He also added to a number of buildings designed by his predecessors, including Customs House, the GPO and Chief Secretary's Building - with changes which did not meet with the approval of his immediate precedessor, James Barnet who, nine years after his resignation, denounced Vernon's additions in an essay and documentation of his own works. In England, Vernon had delighted his clients with buildings in the fashionable Queen Anne style. In NSW, a number of British trained architects whow were proponents of hte Arts and Crafts style joined his office and under their influence, Vernon changed his approach to suburban projects. Buildings such as the Darlinghurst First Station (Federation Free style, 1910) took on the sacale and character of their surroundings. Under Vernon's leadership, an impressive array of buildings was produced which were distinguished by interesting brickwork and careful climatic considerations, by shady verandahs, sheltered courtyards and provision for cross-flow ventilation. Examples are courthouses in Parkes (1904), Wellington (1912) and Bourke, Lands Offices in Dubbo (1897) and Orange (1904) and the Post Office in Wellington (1904)(Le Sueur, 2016, 7).

Alterations were also made to the building in 1915 and between 1934-36.

Between 1974 and 1983 these back buildings were demolished and a new building was constructed behind the restored Chambers, lobbies and central block.

A new building was built behind the restored Chambers (of Parliament), lobbies and central block to house Members and staff. 1892 and 1908 decor was used as the basis of the present Legislative Council and Assembly deocrations, respectively. Richmond Villa was removed and reconstructed on the west side of Kent Street, in The Rocks (Parliament of NSW, History Bulletin 2, c2015).

By 1984, restoration of the old Rum Hospital building was complete. Together with its 'twin' the former Mint, it remains the oldest building in Macquarie Street and the oldest public building in the City of Sydney.

The works done from 1981-4 included refurbishment of the interiors of the original Rum Hospital building, the Legislative Assembly chamber, the Lobby, the Legislative Council chamber and the former Library. The decision to restore the decorative and principle features of these historic interiors came from the Parliament's request to have the services and facilities brought up to the best modern standards (including air conditioning, fire detection and protection services, a public address system and the essential division bells, have been concealed beneath false ceilings, under floors and sometimes within the structure itself (Heritage Council News, summer 1984, 1).

Part of the 1983-88 new Macquarie Street wing of parliament house included installing a roof garden. This work was done by Andreasens Green (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 6/7/2018).

In 2009 a new Guard House was constructed in the north-western corner of the Speaker's Garden, providing new security
entrance for the Parliament. Southern exit gates also constructed (PoNSW, c2015).

2015: Construction of additional office space adjacent to the Level 9 Roof Garden and restoration and replacement
of heritage roof on original Rum Hospital building (ibid, c2015).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Modification of terrain-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Introduce cultural planting-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Convict labour-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Demonstrating convicts' experiences and activities-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Working for the Crown-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Providing health and welfare facilities-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant Places: How are significant places marked in the landscape of Parramatta by, or for, different groups?-Monuments and Sites
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Providing a venue for significant events-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing national landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Holding opening and dedication ceremonies-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Places of strikes and industrial actions-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating public hospitals-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Demonstrating Governor Macquarie's town and landscape planning-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Subdivision of urban estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	18th century town and settlement developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in urban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Indicators of early town planning and the disposition of people within the emerging settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Suburban Consolidation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th Century Infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - managing the convict system-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	(none)-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Providing public offices and buildings-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - controlling drug use-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administering a public health system-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Federating Australia-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Administering ports and shipping facilities-Includes maladministration.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Applying architectural design to industrial structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Aaron Muron Bolot, architect-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Parliament House has played a long and central part in the affairs of the State, originally as the first permanent hospital in Australia and then as the Parliament of New South Wales. It is associated with the changing political requirements of the colony and NSW's history as it is a permanent institution with a continuing history.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	Many events of historical significance have occurred within the parliamentary precincts of New South Wales. The Parliament of New South Wales was the first legislature to be established in Australia and it was integral in the push for responsible self-government in 1856. The Parliament of New South Wales also played a significant role in the move to Federation by holding two conventions on the issue of federation and the drafting of the Australian Constitution in the 1890s.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The building is an example of early colonial architecture. Completed in 1816. Built as part of Governor Macquarie’s public building and town planning programs which established infrastructure for the colony.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	In December 1792 Governor Phillip proclaimed the open space which became the Botanic Gardens, Domain, Hyde Park and Macquarie Street for government use. The street itself was proclaimed in 1810 by Governor Macquarie. At first Macquarie Street only ran from Hyde Park to Bent Street, but in 1845 was extended in both directions – north to Benelong Point and south through Hyde Park to Surry Hills. The Hyde Park section was closed again in 1851. Furthermore, the Parliament of NSW is important to the general public as it has helped shape the society we live in today. For example, the Parliament has played an important role in the push for women’s suffrage proposing several bills for female suffrage between 1891 and 1901. These bills generally passed the Lower House but were defeated in the Upper House. New South Wales gave women the vote in July 1902.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The building was part of the first permanent hospital in Australia and held the first Parliament in Australia. It is the oldest public building in the City of Sydney. The building is a rare example of a cultural building which has continuously operated as a working environment.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Parliament is representative as a fine example of old colonial georgian architecture in New South Wales.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
21(1)(b)	Conservation Plan submitted for comment	Heritage Agreement - as part of CMP		Sep 6 2006
21(1)(b)	Conservation Plan submitted for comment	CMP, revised 4/2/2008		Nov 10 2008
21(1)(b)	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Conservation Management plan prepared by Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners Pty. Ltd. dated 2 March 2010		Jun 2 2010
21(1)(b)	Conservation Plan submitted for comment	Revised Conservation Manangement Plan, 19 December 2008, CD & hard copy		Jul 15 2010
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, Donald Harwin, the Special Minister of State pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective 1 December 2020: 1. revoke the order made on 11 July 2008 and published on pages 91177 to 9182 of Government Gazette Number 110 of 5 September 2008 and varied by notice published in the Government Gazette on 5 March 2015; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. Donald Harwin Special Minister of State Signed this 9th Day of November 2020. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Nov 13 2020

Standard exemptions for works requiring Heritage Council approval

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01615	19 Apr 02	75	2405
Cumberland County Council list of Historic Buildings 1961-67

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
National Federation Heritage Project	1999		Michael Pearson et al		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism		2007	Parliament House	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Parliament House	View detail
Written	Australian Heritage Commission	1978	Register of the National Estate
Written	Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners	2015	Statement of Heritage Impact, Jubilee Room Restoration, NSW Parliament House
Written	Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners	2015	NSW Parliament House - Jubilee Room, Photographic Archival Recording
Written	Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners P/L	2015	Heritage Assessment of Jubilee Room, Parliament of New South Wales, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Written	Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners	2007	New South Wales Parliament House Macquaire Street, Sydney: conservation management plan
Written	Government Architect's Office, Division of the NSW Department of Finance & Services	2012	Parliament House - Proposed Education Centre beneath the Jubilee Room - preliminary archaeological issues
Written	Government Architect's Office, NSW Public Works (NSW Dept. of Finance & Services)	2012	Parliament House - Proposed Education Centre Beneath the Jubilee Room - Preliminary Archaeological Issues report
Written	Graham Jahn	1997	Sydney Architecture
Written	Heritage Council of NSW	2013	Heritage Conservation News, volume 2, no. 4, Summer 2013
Written	Le Sueur, Angela	2016	Government Architects - part 2
Written	Noel Bell Ridley Smith and Partners		The Mitchell Wing State Library of New South Wales
Written	NSW Department of Public Works and Development	1990	Parliament House - Proposed New Museum Access
Written	Parliament of New South Wales	2001	History Bulletin No. 9: The Rum Hospital and Parliament House
Written	Parliament of New South Wales	2000	History Bulletin No 4: The Architecture of Parliament House.
Written	Parliament of New South Wales	1995	This is your Parliament: The Parliament of New South Wales - its Development and Operation
Written	Parliament of NSW	2015	Parliament of NSW - History Bulletin 2 - The architecture and decorations of Parliament House	View detail

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5053251
File number:	EF14/5505;

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