Chapter 2—Agency overview

Role and functions

The building served as the provisional home of the federal parliament for 61 years, from its opening in May 1927 until the move to the current, permanent Parliament House in 1988. In 1992, it was reopened to the public, serving as a museum of Australian political, social and parliamentary history. The building is also a site of major heritage significance, and is included in both the Commonwealth Heritage List and the National Heritage List.

In May 2009 the role and identity of the agency changed as it became the home of the Museum of Australian Democracy, with a greatly expanded range of programs and exhibitions.

The Strategic Plan 2009–12 sets out the agency’s vision, direction, goals and objectives, as follows.

Vision

To celebrate, debate and experience the journey of Australian democracy.

Mission

We are committed to fulfilling this vision and providing an inspirational experience for our audiences by:

  • engaging with them to enrich their understanding of Australia’s past, present and future democracy
  • providing a range of dynamic and engaging programs relevant to our vision
  • managing, conserving, interpreting and presenting our heritage building and its collections.

Key objectives

We will achieve our mission by:

  • increasing visitation and access to high-quality, interesting and entertaining exhibitions, tours, interpretation, education programs and other activities, both on site and externally
  • continually expanding our role and activities in telling the story of Australia’s past, present and future democracy through the ongoing management and continuing development of the Museum of Australian Democracy, including the Australian Prime Ministers Centre
  • ensuring that the building is maintained, conserved and capable of sustainable use in accordance with legislative obligations and the highest heritage standards
  • implementing effective governance arrangements, planning structures and staffing capability.

Values

We are committed to:

  • upholding the values of the Australian Public Service—we are accountable and responsible for our decisions and actions
  • providing the highest quality service in everything we do
  • inclusiveness through diversity of participation, thought and action
  • even-handedness, fairness and impartiality in our treatment of subjects and issues
  • the national significance of the site and collections through best practice conservation
  • our people and their personal and professional development.
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