Aussie Government

I was planning on articulating the cohesive impression I got from touring the Parliament House last week, but, instead, here's a list of some things that went into it:

- Burley Griffin wanted to put the Parliament House on a hill. All the Australians involved were very against having the government building physically "above the people," so they dug out the hill, built the building, then put the hill back in around it. As a result, everyone enters the government building at the same, ground level, there are lawns going up the sides of it (see above), and you can walk around on and take in an awesome view from the top.

-In the main functions room hangs a huge tapestry based on an oil painting specifically requested from Arthur Boyd of a eucalyptus forest. The picture above doesn't really do justice to the tapestry or the room, but it's really beautiful, and the effort to incorporate the colors of the Australian bush runs throughout the building in more subtle ways. (By the way, there's one cockatoo and an artistic rendition of Haley's comet in the tapestry... bonus points if you find them.)
- There are some pretty funny sounding traditions followed in the House and Senate. To reflect the fact that Speaker was a historically undesirable position-- the Crown eventually lent protection, a Governor General, to stop him from getting roughed up or killed-- each time a new one is put into office, he/she is supposed to physically resist being dragged over to the Speaker's chair. The tour guide said it's fun to watch, quite embarrassing for them. There's a requirement in the Senate, too, that has to do with slamming the door in the face of any royalty that comes to visit before letting them in.
- Question time! A couple of people have told me I should go (to question time); it's apparently well-known for being a more exciting government event to attend. Since public audience is encouraged, House members are likely to fire questions that are of importance to their constituents at each other, battles of policy and oratory skill ensuing.

- Why yes, that is a kangaroo and an emu sitting in prominence on the House floor. As part of the official seal, they're hanging out in giant metal form on top of the building front, as well.
- The expansive lawn leading up to Parliament House, Federation Mall, can be (has to be) reserved for protests or other events.
- The circular stone design in front on the main entry way is of aboriginal symbolism; circles designate a meeting place, the number of circles correlating to the place's importance.

And one last one, taken on the roof, for epicness: