Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01869:reg:2016:p5
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01869
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2016 (pt 5/11)
Character Range: 536826–540002

elsewhere. The Usher had need of a wardrobe in which to keep his ceremonial robes. The following comparison of the two entitlements illustrates the differing roles.91

    89      Specification of Furniture for Dining Block, Federal Parliament House, Canberra. Contract No. 2, Section C. CRS A292/1, item C2202 Part 1.83 Schedule of Furniture for Dining Room Block, quotation submitted by Grace Bros, 18 September 1926. CRS A292/1 item C2202 Pt 1.
    90      ibid., Alterations and Improvements to Double Desks and Seats.
    91      ibid., List of Furniture Required.
  Comparison of furniture entitlements

MINISTER'S OFFICE              USHER OF THE BLACK ROD'S OFFICE
1 table with drawers           1 office table with drawers and document trays
1 table, small                 1 small table
1 office chair                 1 office chair
6 chairs                       2 small chairs
1 couch                        1 couch
1 set bookshelves              1 set of shelving
2 inkstands                    1 wardrobe
1 station case                 1 station case
1 waste paper basket           1 waste paper basket
1 matchstand                   1 matchstand
1 spittoon
1 water bottle and 2 glasses   1 water bottle and 2 glasses
                               1 armchair
                               1 screen
                               1 high desk
                               1 typewriter
Carpet/linoleum surround

  Large dining and refreshment facilities were provided, furnished with custom made furniture and electroplated cutlery, ceramic and glassware monogrammed with the initials 'CPRR' (Commonwealth Parliamentary Refreshment Rooms) within an oval garter. Recreational furniture included club style lounges, comfortable easy chairs, card and chess tables, and billiard tables. Senators and members could enjoy film nights in the Senate Club Room, where Ministers could congregate to read, write and converse in a relaxed environment. The Parliamentary Library was furnished with newspaper stands, timber shelving, easy furniture and – for the more serious researcher – heated tables, a concession to the cold winter climate in Canberra. Consideration was also given to the displacement of politicians from their homes and the long hours they spent at the House. Day beds and settees provided a comfortable place for resting and lockers were installed for personal storage. Folding beds were concealed into the offices of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Government in the Senate, President of the Senate and Speaker for times when Parliament sat late into the night; the linen and blankets were supplied by Myer of Melbourne and monogrammed with the words 'Commonwealth Parliament'.92

  A few rooms on the lower floor were furnished for domestic staff that lived on the premises, and fitted out for domestic support services.93 Provisional Parliament House was fully self-contained and its occupants, many of whom had lodgings in the nearby Hotel Kurrajong, were provided with some measure of comfort during their working day.

  The overall project to create a new Parliament House was believed to be a most prestigious one and the most extensive