As the home of the Parliament and the seat of Government, this building has a significance unique amongst buildings in Australia, which is quite independent of its architectural, aesthetic and townscape values. Its Historic value is already being established as the site in 1992 of the overthrow of the Labour Party Prime Minister, by his own party.
The fundamental significance of the building lies within its concept of making a National place. It functions both as a working place for the Parliament and as a symbol and ceremonial place for events of National importance: a symbol of National unity and commitment to the democratic process of government. The building with its integrated works commissioned art, craft and specially designed furnishings, reflects the history, cultural diversity, development and aspirations of the nation. The building's design and siting on the land axis create a strong visual relationship and a linkage between the historic War Memorial and Provisional Parliament House. The building is pre-eminently sited on Capital Hill at the focus of Walter Burley Griffin's 1912 plan for Canberra and the Parliamentary Triangle. The building design re-states the original profile of the hill and its curved walls reach out to encompass the radial avenues established by the 1912 Griffin plan as the primary axes of the city. The building, particularly the curved walls and flagpole, is a strong symbolic and sculptural element in the landscape. It was awarded The Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) National Sir Zelman Cowen Award and the RAIA (ACT Chapter) Canberra Medallion in 1989 and the Civic Design award in 1990.
http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=222
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