Explore your Assembly at our 2015 Open Day!
18 September 2015 | Canberra, Australia | Event
Come and explore your Assembly this Sunday during our 2015 Open Day! It kicks off 10am and include tours of the building, live performances, and a free BBQ hosted by MLAs.
One of the main events of the day will be a debate, presided over by the Honourable Justice Richard Refshauge, on the significance of the Magna Carta, featuring students from years 10-12 from Canberra schools. A hand-crafted replica of the Magna Carta will also be on display.
“Sunday’s open day is a great opportunity for people to get involved. There will be tours of the building and visitors are invited to watch the Great Magna Carta Debate from the public gallery. The Assembly is a young, modern, democratic parliament and public participation is key to ensuring its continuing relevance to the ACT community,” Speaker Vicki Dunne MLA said.
“Other events include choral performances by the Canberra Children’s Choir and adult choir Latin Lovers. There will also be tours of Assembly artworks, talks by local artists, and a display of creative endeavours by Assembly members and staff.”
The first 100 visitors (one per person/family) will receive the gift of a Correa “Canberra Bells” plant.
The ACT Legislative Assembly is unique in Australia. Formed in 1989, it has 17 MLAs, one chamber, and is responsible for both local and territory functions. Following the October 2016 election, the Assembly will have 25 members. This will be the last opportunity for an open day before the builders move in to remodel the building to accommodate the expanded membership.
Click here for a full timetable of events.
What's on?
| 10.00 am | Event commences | Legislative Assembly |
| 10.00 am-2.00 pm | The great democratic sausage sizzle (free) | Civic Square |
| 10.00 am-2.00 pm | Building tours | Legislative Assembly |
| 11.00am-2.00pm | Art display by members and staff | Legislative Assembly—Exhibition room |
| 11.00am-11.30am | Performance: Canberra Children's Choir | Legislative Assembly—Reception Room |
| 11.30am-1.50pm | Art tours | Legislative Assembly—Reception Room |
| 11.30am-1.50pm |
Viewing of the Magna Carta replica followed by show debate: “The Magna Carta has little relevance to our system of democracy” | Legislative Assembly—Chamber |
| 12.15pm-1.00pm | Floor talks by artists Bev Hogg, Cathy Franzi, and Daniel Savage | Legislative Assembly—Reception Room |
| 1.00pm-1.30pm | Performance: Latin Lovers (choir) | Legislative Assembly—Foyer |
| 2.00 pm | Event concludes | Legislative Assembly |