Annette Holden, a full-time journalist at the ABC from 1985 to 1989, recalls the lively ball organised by the Press Gallery on 13 August 1988 to mark the end of the Provisional Parliament House. Advertised as the ‘Reopening of the Old Parliament House party’, the festivities lasted from Saturday night well into Sunday. She remembers the statue of King George V draped in balloons and pearls, a politically-incorrect rock band… and a missing bust!

Annette Holden oral history audio transcript (MS Word)

Annette Holden was recorded for the Oral History Program by Sandra Bunn in 2004. The full interview is not currently available online but can be listened to in the Australian Prime Ministers Centre. Please contact the Centre prior to your visit and quote the reference number OHI 73.