Parliament House turns 30: 'It's still a joy to work here'

The three parliamentary librarians said there have been many changes since the house was opened on May 9, 1988, but what’s remained constant is a sense of being part of Australian history.

“It’s a real privilege to work here,” says Harrington, who joined the library service in 1975, working first at what is now Old Parliament House.

“Just knowing that you’re part of the process gives you a real sense of pride.”

She remembers her first few months further up the hill, impressed by the spaciousness of the new building, the luxury of it all, but all three noted that the new building changed the way people worked.

“At Old Parliament House the library was situated between the two chambers at the apex of King’s Hall and the members would come in and chat over the newspapers or snooze the afternoon away out the back in the comfortable armchairs,” says Wilson, who started in 1985.

“Here you very rarely see a member in the library.”

Even moreso in recent years, says Lundie, who’s worked in the library since 1986.

“I remember getting in a lift with Bob Hawke when he was prime minister,” he says.

“He asked me what floor I wanted and said something about being the most expensive lift boy in the country.

“That would never happen now.”

The three won’t give away who their favourite prime ministers were - there have been seven since the house opened: Hawke, Paul Keating, John Howard, Julia GIllard, Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull - preferring to remain apolitical.

Harrington says she sometimes gets nostalgic for the old times.

“I miss politicians like Hawke and Keating, even Gough Whitlam, I was at work on the day of the Dismissal down at Old Parliament House.

“They were much more erudite and learned. In Whitlam's time the Latin dictionary in the library was a well-used tome.

“Sure it was adversarial but there wasn't a pettiness to it like there is at times now, it was more dignified.”

But working at parliament house has its light moments too.

Wilson used to run a tipping competition at election time, where punters had to guess who would win all the seats. It was almost as hotly contested as the election itself.

Lundie remembers tobogganing down the grass slopes on frosty mornings only to be roused on by the gardening team. For old time’s sake he joined in the final roll down the hill in December 2016 before the security fences were put up.

Indeed the increased level of security has been one of the biggest changes in the 30 years.

“I remember being able to take visitors past the Prime Minister’s office,” says Lundie, “There’s no way you could do that now.”

Wilson remembers the farewell at Old Parliament House where a progressive dinner party - and how ’80s is that - ended up in King’s Hall at 2am.

“I can’t imagine that ever happening here,” she says.

They remember bogong moths and blockades and the Greenpeace protesters who abseiled down the flagpole, even the time a man drove his Pajero through the front door.

“Working here you’re experiencing history as it happens,” says Harrington. “After all these years it’s still a joy to come into work every day.”

On May 5 there will be a full day of birthday celebrations starting with a guest panel at 10.30am. Journalist Barrie Cassidy, Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson, Chancellor of the Australian National University Gareth Evans, arts advocate Robyn Archer, former construction director of APH David Chandler and journalist Michelle Grattan will reflect on the architectural, social, historical, political and cultural legacy of Australian Parliament House over the past 30 years.

At 2pm in the Great Hall there will be a concert by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra playing a collection of music by Australian composers.

On May 9 there will be a special ceremony in the forecourt to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the opening day.

For a full list of celebrations throughout the year, head to aph.gov.au