Politicians and parliamentary staff, chefs, Hansard reporters, security personnel, cleaners, attendants, waiters, barbers, housekeepers, the press, gardeners and guides were just a few of the people who made up the ‘family’ of Old Parliament House.
All were vital to the day to day operation of the Parliament. Their stories, etched into every facet of the building, give life and meaning to the House.
For all of the workers, particularly in the early days, the House was very much a ‘home away from home’. Isolated from their homes and families many of the people who worked at the House also slept there, took their meals, had their hair cut, showered, exercised, played billiards, gambled and even drank there!
In places like the Dining Room and the Members’ Bar a careful blend of leisure and politics was often achieved. Work as well as relaxation also took place in the Parliamentary Library, where Members could relax and keep in touch with their constituents by reading the daily papers. In the Senate Club Room Members often played chess or cards, and film nights were a popular entertainment.
In later years a sauna was installed on the lower floor for the health and respite of Members and Senators. At the request of the Parliamentarians who first occupied this building, the parliamentary gardens contributed significantly to the availability of leisure activities.
Interspersed with carefully designed rose gardens were a bowling green, tennis courts, a cricket pitch and later a squash court.