Fly Ted Down Under Journeys through the land of Oz

Canberra

AUSTRALIA | Sunday, 13 March 2011 | Views [2662]

The Senate throne, big chair at the back, reserved for the Queen and her consort alongside. They have never sat in it. The President of the Senate (Speaker) is the next chair forward, donated in fact to the new Parliament House by the Canadian government. Above the throne, a kangaroo and emu keep careful watch on both sides of the house. The government side is below and opposition on the far side.

On the Parliament House tour, in the Senate chamber, Eric the outstanding tour guide doing his thing. He was really polished with a great mixture of information, jokes and timing. I was sure to compliment him afterwards. The seats in the gallery purposely fade as they get higher, to symbolize bleaching by the sun. The Senate is similar to the Canadian upper house except it is elected, to staggered 4 year terms, and based on equal representation for all the states. It can initiate legislation in any area except the annual budget, which comes from the House but must be approved by the Senate.

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An excerpt on display of Captain Cook's famous reflection on Aboriginal first contact, 1770, becoming more prescient perhaps with the passing of time:

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Fly Ted Down Under Journeys through the land of Oz

Canberra

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