Old Parliament House

Constructed in stages between 1843 and 1875, Adelaide's Old Parliament House is of major historical significance both at the state and national level. The complex includes two walls of the original Council Chamber, dating from 1843, which was the first permanent home of South Australia's Legislative Council, along with the first House of Assembly Chamber and the second Council Chamber For almost a century, until the completion of the present Parliament House in 1939 allowed the Legislative Council to vacate it, Old Parliament House was the scene of political debates that shaped the history of the State, while its piecemeal enlargement reflects the development of the Colony's democratic institutions. It is strongly associated with the introduction of important democratic reforms in which South Australia led the other Australian colonies, including full adult male suffrage, the secret ballot, and the rights of women to vote and hold political office.The building incorporates examples of the work of three significant colonial architects: E A Hamilton, W Bennet Hays and E J Woods. It is one of only a handful of important government buildings constructed prior to 1860 now remaining in Adelaide. [Adapted from Danvers Architects Pty Ltd 'Old Parliament House Adelaide Conservation Management Plan' (1989)]

Listing Information

• Date of Listing: 28 May 1981

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