In November 1863, a specially-appointed Commission chose the site for Queensland’s new Parliament in George Street, near the then Government House.

The Commission expressed the view that the final design adopted should reflect the high aspirations and the future prosperity of Queensland.

It was conscious that, although the colony was remote, the eyes of the world were still upon it, and Queensland would be judged by its public buildings.

The Commission decided to hold an Australia-wide competition for the design of a dedicated parliamentary building, offering 200 guineas as the prize.

The Commission decided that the design was to cost a maximum of £20,000 to erect and that the design should include large chambers to accommodate the hot climate and the expected increase in Members.

Of 11 entries received, all but four were rejected on the basis of insufficient merit or detail.

The Commission found that the design by Benjamin Backhouse had the most merit.

However, its cost estimate of £38,000 meant that it was rejected.

This fact becomes even more significant when judged in hindsight.

The original limit set by the Commission was obviously unrealistic.

The final cost of construction of only part of the chosen Parliament House design cost around £80,000.

One can imagine that Backhouse would have been displeased that English architect Charles Tiffin was commissioned.

At that time, the European financial crisis caused severe financial problems in Brisbane.

That significantly delayed the construction process.

In fact, it took 25 years to build, from 1864 to 1889.

John Petrie, the first Mayor of Brisbane, became involved in the project, which led to more steady construction progress from 1867 onward.

The building’s square floor-plan was designed around a central courtyard space that would be occupied by public officers and the parliament house.

The ground level of the three-story building houses offices and reception rooms whilst the upper levels accommodate the legislative chambers.

The exterior’s solid colonnades were originally topped with a zinc roof which was later rebuilt in copper in the 1980s.

Locally sourced timber finishes characterize the striking interior.

Public tours of Parliament House are usually available Monday to Friday. Call 07 3353 6470.

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