Chapter 1—Director's review

Director’s review

Old Parliament House Directory, Ms Jenny Anderson. Photo OPH Collection.
Old Parliament House Director, Ms Jenny Anderson. Photo OPH Collection.

The 2008–09 year for Old Parliament House was defined by change. We assumed a new role as the home of the Museum of Australian Democracy and new administrative arrangements as an Executive Agency.

The year was also characterised by achievement, as we successfully delivered an innovative and engaging new experience for visitors while maintaining our existing range and quality of services and carefully managing the heritage values of our unique site.


Achievements in 2008–09

In May 2006, the Australian Government announced a package of Budget initiatives for the redevelopment of Old Parliament House. These shaped the new visitor experience now known as the ‘Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House’.

The museum initiatives include long-term exhibitions, interactive experiences incorporating digital technology, enhancements to the interpretation of heritage spaces in the building, and outreach activities. Together, they offer an entertaining and informative experience through which visitors can explore the story of Australia’s democracy and the heritage of the building.

The redevelopment involved the simultaneous detailed planning and development of a wide range of exhibits, activities and capital works projects. The entire south-east wing and large portions of the building’s main floor, including the Parliamentary Library area and adjoining galleries and the former Cabinet Room, were refurbished.

The Museum of Australian Democracy was officially launched on Saturday, 9 May 2009—the eighty-second anniversary of the building’s opening as Australia’s provisional Parliament House. In the week of 9–15 May, 4,836 people attended museum opening events at Old Parliament House to enjoy the museum experience and take part in a wide range of activities celebrating the launch.

Under machinery of government changes effected on 1 July 2008, Old Parliament House ceased to be a responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) and became an Executive Agency within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio. DEWHA, the portfolio department and the new agency worked together to make this a smooth transition.

The full range of management functions, including financial, human resources and information management, were successfully transferred to the new agency. We have established an effective framework of corporate policies and accountability mechanisms, as illustrated by this publication—our first annual report.

Old Parliament House rated well against all performance measures in the Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2008–09 and our budget was met in all key areas. We successfully progressed and completed the redevelopment on budget, within acceptable time frames, and in accordance with the requirements of the building’s status as a heritage-listed site.

It is pleasing to note that, although the National Portrait Gallery moved to its own dedicated building and Old Parliament House underwent redevelopment during the year, visitor levels fell less than had been expected. Early figures following the launch of the Museum of Australian Democracy indicate a healthy resurgence in visitor numbers.

Challenges in 2009–10

We embrace the challenge of building our reputation as a major cultural institution and visitor attraction, in an increasingly competitive tourism market.

In 2009–10 we will evaluate and finetune our recently implemented exhibitions and programs and monitor and survey visitor satisfaction. We will also devise and implement a new forward program of temporary exhibitions and programs, and begin the process of planning for longer term developments.

The museum provides a rich resource from which further visitor, educational, interpretation, research and outreach programs can be drawn. We will look at ways in which this resource can be used to develop activities aimed at specific target audiences. Online services offer an effective means of addressing particular audience needs, and we will continue to expand our online activities and programs.

We will also continue to build cooperative relations and working partnerships with institutions and organisations whose interests in social, political and democratic history and issues complement the interests of the Museum of Australian Democracy.

Throughout these activities, we will continue to maintain Old Parliament House in accordance with its heritage status, while conserving and improving access to the site.

Acknowledgements

Old Parliament House Directory, Ms Jenny Anderson. Photo OPH Collection.
Image: Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig, Cabinet Secretary and Special Minister of State. Photo Auspic

I congratulate and thank the staff of Old Parliament House, who showed outstanding dedication and professionalism in implementing the redevelopment and the transition to an Executive Agency. I also thank the volunteers for their valuable contribution to our tours and programs.

The advice and support of the Old Parliament House Advisory Council was invaluable. I particularly acknowledge the former Chair, the Rt Hon Doug Anthony, whose term expired in November 2008. Mr Anthony was a strong advocate for Old Parliament House during his nine years as Chair and his contribution is greatly appreciated.

I welcome the new Advisory Council Chair, Mr William McInnes, who was appointed to the position in February 2009, and I am pleased that a close and productive working relationship has been established.

I would also like to pay tribute to Mr Fred Brenchley, a long-time Council Member, who passed away after the period covered by this Report. A noted journalist and author, Mr Brenchley made a substantial contribution during his time on the Council, particularly to the development of the Museum, and had recently been reappointed for a further two year term.

At the end of our first year as an Executive Agency, I look forward to continuing to work with staff, volunteers and our Advisory Council to ensure that the museum continues to grow and develop as a unique Australian cultural institution.

Signature of Jenny Anderson

Jenny Anderson
Director, Old Parliament House
8 October 2009

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